Almost 18 years after Titanic hit theatres and broke hundreds of records, the classic Hollywood film is making headlines yet again, but for a different reason. In 2018, 20th Century Fox is set to open a series of theme-park attractions across Asia and the Middle East with rides that provide riders with mesmerizing experiences inspired by Titanic, Planet of the Apes, and more.
Multiple reports have said that this project will cost an estimate of $850 million. Fox and Al Ahli Holding Group has struck a deal giving Fox the license to use its land for a Fox-branded theme park in Dubai.
Jeffrey Godsick, president of Fox Consumer Products, said it “will build a tremendous amount of fan engagement. There are strong merchandising opportunities and it will allow us to connect with our audiences on an ongoing basis.”
Although this seems like an incredible marketing idea, it may not be as successful as Fox thinks it will be. Although Titanic is a monumental movie in cinema, it launched careers, broke records, and such- it is still based off of a tragedy where lives were lost, people were hurt, and families were torn apart. This is incredibly offensive because you cannot make a theme park off of a tragedy when it is such a touchy subject. Theme parks aren’t launched for Hurricane Katrina, tsunamis, earthquakes, or other tragedies, so there is no need for a Titanic one.
Titanic doesn’t need to be remembered through a theme park, especially because the theme park won’t make the general public knowledgable of what occurred.
“I understand their intentions but making a theme park to help people understand this tragedy is just idiotic. There are other smarter ways to educate people, and making a ride isn’t one of them” Merab Kalem, senior, said.
Godsick said that they know the Titanic movie is not the best fit for a theme park due to its nature. However, Godsick assured that they are “working on creating an experience that includes motion theatre simulators and will allow you to experience what it was like to be on the Titanic in an exciting way.”
The tragedy that occurred through Titanic needs to be payed tribute to in a more respectful and intelligent way. There is nothing excited about experiencing the Titanic, since it ended in such a terrible way with over 1,500 lives lost.
“I’m still shocked that this plan was allowed to go through but if people really want to experience it, they should just open a textbook and not support this idea” Hadel Faud, senior, said.
Only time will tell how successful Fox is in this endeavor, but it is better to educate ourselves on this tragedy, rather than go on a ride to experience it.
