Sony and Merlin join forces to bring the world of Jumanji to life

Sony Pictures Entertainment and Merlin Entertainments have entered into a multi-territory exclusivity agreement to develop and operate attractions, rides, lands, retail outlets, and themed hotel rooms based on the studio’s successful Jumanji franchise.

Beginning with the original Robin Williams film in 1995 and continuing with “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” (2017) and “Jumanji: The Next Level” (2019) starring Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, and Karen Gillan, “Jumanji’s” decades-long success has made it Sony’s biggest wholly-owned film franchise of all time.

This exclusive agreement with Merlin – Europe’s top and the world’s second-largest tourist attraction operator – will bring the blockbuster franchise to life across a global network of more than 135 tourist attractions, including Legoland, Madame Tussauds, Sea Life, and Peppa Pig.

“Sony is one of the top movie companies on the planet, and ‘Jumanji’ is a multi-billion-dollar brand which has appealed to guests of all ages for over two decades,” said Chief Development Officer for Merlin Entertainments Mark Fisher. “Our Merlin team is already hard at work developing brilliant creative concepts, which will bring to life the blockbuster-famous “Jumanji” film across our Theme Parks and Waterparks. We can’t wait to deliver thrilling rides and experiences for guests and film fans alike! The game is certainly on!”

“Jumanji – the Adventure”

The premiere experience in the partnership will be the world’s first Jumanji-themed ride, which will open on April 2, 2022, at Merlin’s Gardaland Resort in Italy. A second attraction is already in development at a different theme park for a 2023 launch.

“Merlin is the ideal company to bring the world of Jumanji to life,” said Sony Pictures Entertainment’s EVP of Global Partnerships and Brand Management and Head of Location Based Entertainment Jeffrey Godsick. “Their commitment to strong storytelling, quality of craftsmanship, and fantastic guest experiences ensure that fans of Jumanji will be fully immersed into the worlds of our films and have an unforgettable experience. I am very pleased to expand our relationship with the great team at Merlin.”

The new dark ride – called “Jumanji – the Adventure” – will transport guests to the world of Jumanji, where they’ll face pitfalls, surprises, and dangers. The most impressive of these is “The Stone Giant,” a massive animatronic whose enormous head will appear from a cave as his gigantic hand tries to block the path. As riders move through the jungle, they encounter hazards, obstacles, and special audio and video effects, causing their unique multi-motion vehicles to spin and roll to simulate the movements of an off-road experience.

“Jumanji – the Adventure” will open along with the debut of fully-themed Jumanji hotel rooms.