Not to be outdone by Disney's recent Marvel theme park concept , Universal Studios and Warner Bros. have reportedly approached the Tolkien estate about developing a new theme park attraction based on Middle-earth.

The story comes from Mice Chat , which says the studios are currently in talks to bring The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit to Universal theme parks. Coming off the success of their Wizarding World of Harry Potter, it is likely that the studios would take a similar approach for this. Likewise, Hypable suggests that the Tolkiens have even spoken to Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling about how pleased she was with her property's theme park interpretation (via the Orlando United forums ).It is important to note, of course, that this news is still only a rumor, and nothing has been confirmed just yet. Even if it is true, it sounds like the project is still in the early planning stages and wouldn't be finished for at least several years.

Nevertheless, it's fun to speculate on the idea, especially now with the renewed interest generated by Peter Jackson's Hobbit films. In the meantime, let us hear your thoughts on a Middle-earth-inspired Universal attraction!

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Max Nicholson is a writer for IGN, and he desperately seeks your approval. Show him some love by following @Max_Nicholson on Twitter, or MaxNicholson on IGN.