A Justice League of their own at Madame Tussauds
Look … up in the Orlando sky … it’s a bird, it’s a plane … It’s the Bat-Signal? Central Florida has a new stash of superhero goodness thanks to an original exhibit at Madame Tussauds Orlando. It’s called “Justice League: A Call for Heroes,” and it gives visitors a chance to get upclose to Wonder Woman, Batman and Superman.
The figures — based on the heroes’ portrayal by actors Gal Gadot, Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill in last year’s “Justice League” film — are much like the mere wax statues found elsewhere in the International Drive attraction. But Tussauds has amped up the interactivity factor in the space, so that each scene has a brief action sequence.
It’s the first of its kind for Tussauds, and it could spread to its other locations worldwide.
The backstory for all this is a threat by Lex Luthor. The Justice League needs our help, and it will require (simulated) heavy lifting.
During a preview, the first stop was with Wonder Woman, whose figure is lunging and presenting her metal bracelets in crossarmed fashion.
I had good luck by striking her pose to activate the lighting effect, a colorful explosion. (I want to make a video of that with me doing hand motions for “Mind. Blown.”)
Around the corner, we’re asked to assist Superman in a helicopter rescue. Again, our hero is lunging — it’s what they do, it seems — with arms over head, gripping the bottom of a helicopter. Visitors move into position and help raise it to safety. There’s room for personal creativity in this spot. Maybe you can help with just one finger. Maybe you do chin-ups.
The Man of Steel is the most animated of the trio, and you might spend time examining how Tussauds is pulling off that effect. Clearly, the Kryptonian’s knee bone is connected to the hip bone, and that’s key.
Around yet another bend, there’s the working Bat-Signal and Batfleck. He’s not lunging — apparently the moody guy didn’t read the memo — but instead is sort of leaping with that big ol’ cape spread for the landing. It’s darker over here, naturally.
I found this to be the most challenging of the photo ops as there’s various lighting plus a smoke effect that made autofocus freak out. I ended up with funny moments that made me wish I was wearing the Robin cape my mom made for 4-year-old me. (Yes, I still have it. Don’t judge).
“A Call for Heroes” is in a space not previously used by Tussauds guests, so the Justice Leaguers aren’t teamed in odd pairings, with, say, President Trump, Walt Disney or Selena Gomez.
The attraction has tricked out the space with themes from Gotham and Metropolis, including a Daily Planet newsstand at the exit. Take time to admire the authentic costumes, too.
It looks like there’s room for growth, although no one would say anything specific about expansion. (Where’s that lasso of truth when I need it, Wonder Woman?)
dbevil@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5477; Twitter: @ThemeParks