WB Studio Tour Preview by RCR Entertainment Reporter Brittany Leoni follow her on IG @britt.ah.nee
Exciting news…LA is now open! There is no doubt that Angelinos have missed being out and about during the past year. Now that LA is open, everyone is very excited about the expansion of the iconic Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood here in Burbank. The updated tour opens today, June 26th, with a wide range of expansions honoring the studio’s history.
When guests first arrive they will see a new Welcome Center, expanding into a “Storytelling Showcase” exploring the studio’s origins and history.
I was super excited to have the pleasure of interviewing Wonder Woman and Wonder Woman 1984 director, Patty Jenkins, at the early tour opening on Thursday, the 24th.
Q: “Having had the chance to now walk through the exhibit and see the props and costumes for Wonder Woman, is there anything you see in the exhibit that sparks a fond memory from filming?”
Patty: I think that they all do. I think that all of the objects in there mean something special to me. Particularly the wings from Wonder Woman 1984 – to see those out in full display in the exhibit. We actually made those wings on set even though we didn’t really need to, because you could just do them in CG. But we did, and so everything about them like the curvature of the line at the top is perfect. I saw myself going back into that critical mode of, “Oh good, you guys really got that line right.” So many of those objects are such beautiful things ultimately that these great people I have worked with bring back great memories.
Q: “What’s been your experience directing such an iconic character, not only on the individual movies but being a part of the DC family?
Patty: It’s an incredible honor. It’s such an honor that you can’t even…you don’t know what to do with it. Growing up I watched Superman and the Batman’s. I get to be the first who makes Wonder Woman, and I’m like, “What do you do with that thought process?! I don’t know.” All I end up knowing is that I love Wonder Woman and I loved the comic book films. And someone’s gotta direct it. It turned out that was me and I’m glad I got to be a part of it. I believe in these DC characters. I think that they really are about trying to be a hero in the world. There are heroes who are about different things, like being unlikely and chosen. The DC heroes aren’t about that, they are about helping people, and I love that and believe in that.”
After the “Storytelling Showcase,” guests will hop into a tour car and be driven across the lot to Stage 48: Script to Screen, the Studio Tour’s interactive sound stage. In Stage 48 there is both a Central Perk set from Friends and a set reproduction of Sheldon’s apartment from The Big Bang Theory.
So, we know there has always been a Central Perk/Friends part of the tour. HOWEVER there is a huge expansion of Central Perk Café—this new version is way bigger than the original one, and directly connects to replicas of the characters props, including Joey and Chandler’s seats and their foosball table.
Speaking of Friends, none other than Chandler’s ex-beau, Janice, AKA Maggie Wheeler, also greeted us by the Central Perk Café to say some special words about her experience of playing Janice.
Q: “In your mind, where would Janice be today in 2021?”
A: “Oh. My. God,” (in her Janice voice). I think she has a very successful line of handbags – animal print, zebra, tiger, leopard, and a podcast for how to get past the one who got away.”
Q: “Where does Maggie end and Janice begin?”
A: “I don’t know where Maggie ends and Janice begins – but probably when “this happens,” (in her Janice voice). But I grew up in NYC around a lot of women like Janice, and I think it was just a matter of time before I let the cat out of the bag.”
Guests will then enter an “Action and Magic Made Here” exhibit. You’ll see a big Batcave full of costumes, vehicles, and props from the DC heroes and villains that we know and love.
Starting June 26th, be sure to grab your ticket for the studio tour…you won’t want to miss it!
About Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood gets you closer to the entertainment you love by taking you on a working studio lot. As a recipient of multiple Trip Advisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards and recognized as one of the Top 25 Attractions in the United States, the Studio Tour gives guests a revealing look behind the camera at how Hollywood magic is made.
FromFriends and The Big Bang Theory to Harry Potter and the DC Universe, fans can explore the nearly 100-year-old studio as they visit the real sets and backlots spanning Warner Bros.’ 110 acres, celebrating where the greatest entertainment in history was made.
New and Expanded Features Include:
- The “Storytelling Showcase,” where guests can explore the evolution of Warner Bros.’ nearly 100-year history;
- “Action and Magic Made Here,” the new grand finale experience featuring the DC Universe and Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts series;
- An expansive new Warner Bros Studio Store, which will be open to the public without a Studio Tour ticket purchase;
- The Studio Tour now welcomes families with children five years and older.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood is located at 3400 Warner Blvd., Burbank, CA 91505. Tours are offered in English and Spanish. Advanced bookings are required, and children five years and older are welcome. To book your tickets online, visit wbstudiotour.com
Upon reopening, the Studio Tour will be open on weekends, from June 26 through July 11, with the Tour also being open on July 5. From July 15, the Studio Tour will operate 5 days a week and remain closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Tours will depart from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM with departures every 30 minutes. Tickets are available online for $69 for adults (ages 11 and up) and $59 for children ages 5 to 10 at wbstudiotour.com (advanced reservations will be required). Additionally, Southern California residents are eligible for a special rate of $57 on weekdays only, through September 30,2021.
COVID-19 Safety Protocols: The Studio Tour follows all City, State and Federal health guidelines in addition to internal mandates to ensure the health and safety of our guests, employees and production partners.
