The widespread reopening across Southern California has proven to be great news for the state’s top-tier array of theme parks and other attractions. One of Los Angeles’ most iconic tours for lovers of the city’s storied film history is the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, which reopens June 26th with a wide range of expansions celebrating the studio’s history alongside showcases of its popular DC and Harry Potter properties.
Upon first arrival to the tour, guests will see a new Welcome Center, expanding into a “Storytelling Showcase” exploring the studio’s origins, innovations, and its history in film, television, and animation (along with a replica of the water tower.
It’s a lovely window into film history and a strong opening impression. I spoke with Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins about the importance to her of getting a window into film history:
“I think that even as a filmmaker working here, who's now made two movies here and a TV show here, even I am in awe,” Jenkins explained. “Every time I walk around, when I'm reading the plaques of what was shot on the stages... the history of this studio is so rich, [and there is] such an embarrassment of riches of incredible films that have come out of here.”
The Storytelling Showcase is a strong reminder of the journey that film as a medium has gone through. I inquired why she thought knowing film history was important:
“Film has been an amazing tool of storytelling in our times. Storytelling is super important—it's the way that we process our life experience, and it's a tool that we use to communicate to each other about what we're facing. It's not just film history... it's an incredible way to tell a story. It's bigger than film. I think filmmaking is about us and who we are, and what are the stories we've told and the history of where we've been, what we've believed in, what we've seen and what we've expressed. I think it has to be seen as a bigger thing than just the the profession.”
I asked the filmmaker what films were important to her own journey as a filmmaker and storyteller:
“So many I don't even know where to begin. But... A Streetcar Named Desire, Elia Kazan was one of my favorite directors of all time. When I did I Am The Night, I shot on the same stage as they did Streetcar, which... I don't even know where to put that in my brain. The fact that really Brando yelled ‘Stella!’ in here... you know, it's so hard to believe. So I would say, you know, all of those Elia Kazan films, many of which he did here at Warner Bros., had a huge impact on me. That whole movement of 1950s filmmaking, that was being very fresh and edgy and truthful about the human experience, had a huge effect on me.”
After the “Storytelling Showcase,” guests will then will travel across the lot to Stage 48: Script to Screen, the Studio Tour’s interactive sound stage. The sound stage highlights the different stages of the film production process, and includes both a Central Perk set from Friends alongside a set reproduction of Sheldon’s apartment from The Big Bang Theory.
There’s a major expansion of Central Perk Café—while the original Café was a charming replica, this version is much, much larger, and directly connects to replicas of Joey and Chandler’s seats, foosball table, and more replicas reminiscent of the Friends set.
From Stage 48, guests will enter an “Action and Magic Made Here” pair of exhibitions. You’ll see both a large Batcave full of costumes, vehicles, and props from the various DC heroes and villains that have graced the silver screen. It boasts costumes and props from the 1975-79 Wonder Woman series and 1978 Superman and 1989 Batman films, through the subsequent DC films to Justice League and Wonder Woman 1984.
Also in this area is a large Harry Potter exhibit, where fans can find interactive recreations and photo opportunities that allow potion-making, an interactive sorting hat, information about the creatures from the Fantastic Beasts films, and more.
The tour culminates in a display of memorabilia from the studio’s awards history in the “Celebration of Awards Season” section. The exhibit spotlights iconic props and costumes from classic, award-winning films, such as the trombone that Robert Preston played in The Music Man, the jersey worn by the late Chadwick Boseman to portray Jackie Robinson in 42, and a painstakingly detailed miniature blimp from Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner.
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.
