# From Backdraft to The Grinch, Ron Howard Comes Home to Universal (Ep. 110)

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-jim-hill-media-podcast-network-530663/from-backdraft-to-the-grinch-ron-howard-comes-home-to-universal-ep-110
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-jim-hill-media-podcast-network-530663/from-backdraft-to-the-grinch-ron-howard-comes-home-to-universal-ep-110.md
Podcast: [The Jim Hill Media Podcast Network](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-jim-hill-media-podcast-network-530663)
Published: 2026-07-10T04:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/traffic.megaphone.fm/JHM9459430976.mp3
Audio file: https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/traffic.megaphone.fm/JHM9459430976.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-jim-hill-media-podcast-network-530663/episodes/from-backdraft-to-the-grinch-ron-howard-comes-home-to-universal-ep-110
Duration seconds: 3438

## Resource

Jim Hill and Eric Hersey cover a busy week of Universal news, from Epic Universe’s long-awaited Celestial Goodnight fireworks debut to Universal Fan Fest Nights coming to Orlando this fall. They also check in on Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift testing at Universal Studios Hollywood, and Super Nintendo World heading to Singapore. Then Jim uses last week’s Backdraft discussion as a springboard for a look at Ron Howard’s decades-long relationship with Universal, from Parenthood and Backdraft to Apollo 13, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and beyond. NEWS • Epic Universe officially debuts Celestial Goodnight, its nighttime fireworks and fountain spectacular. • Universal Orlando announces Universal Fan Fest Nights, a limited-capacity after-hours event coming to Epic Universe this fall. • Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift begins testing at Universal Studios Hollywood, though early reports suggest it may not be as silent as advertised. • Universal Horror Unleashed in Las Vegas adds a limited-time Resident Evil takeover with themed zones, puzzles, food, and characters. • Universal Studios Singapore announces plans for a Super Nintendo World expansion, raising questions about what new ride systems may eventually travel stateside. FEATURE • Jim traces Ron Howard’s path from child actor on The Andy Griffith Show to Happy Days star and eventual director. • The discussion follows Howard’s early directing career through Grand Theft Auto, Night Shift, Splash, Cocoon, and Willow. • Jim explains how Parenthood became the first movie shot at Universal Studios Florida before the park officially opened. • The episode connects Backdraft to Howard’s long Universal run, including Apollo 13, A Beautiful Mind, Cinderella Man, and How the Grinch Stole Chris…

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