The Marvel Experience sets the bar high for touring entertainment with its two-acre dome complex
The Marvel Experience promises to be as huge and spectacular as the superheroes it will house. The custom-built complex of interconnected high-tech domes will comprise over 80, 000 square feet. It doesn’t just stretch out horizontally (over two acres) but reaches high too – the apex soars up more than six stories.
It’s a vast footprint for a touring experience which will visit selected US and Canadian cities for several weeks at a time.
The Marvel Experience and our innovative Dome environment is the future of themed entertainment.
Rick Licht, CEO of Hero Ventures
The extreme road show is a collaboration between Hero Ventures, LLC which develops and produces live entertainment experiences using innovative technology, and Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. Marvel Entertainment has a library of more than 8, 000 characters which have featured in a variety of media over seventy years, including iconic characters such as Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Spider-Man and the X-Men.
The complex has been designed so visitors feel as if they’re entering a Mobile Command Center for S.H.I.E.L.D. Once inside, they will become fully immersed in an adventure, experiencing a series of interactive games and animated shorts as they progress through a maze of interconnected domes. The Experience also boasts another ground-breaking innovation – the first ever motion-based ride designed for a travelling attraction.
Aaron Sims is just one of a super-hero cast of industry stars and award winners whose vision will set the tone for the Tour. Sims has brought many Marvel characters to the big screen: his credits include X-Men (Fox), The Amazing Spider-Man (Sony) and Marvel’s The Incredible Hulk. One of the most acclaimed and prolific special effects artists in Hollywood, Sims also worked alongside Steven Spielberg on War of the Worlds and A.I. and with Michael Bay on Transformers.
‘‘Aaron and our entire team have done a masterful job in setting the table for us with their magnificent designs and creativity for this dynamic experience, " says Licht.
The Marvel Experience will break new ground both in technology and concepts with state-of-the-art design applications and innovative graphic elements. The Domes don’t just house the Experience; they are central to the story line in which visitors will find themselves.
"The interior will feature an exaggerated comic-style utilizing projected high-tech imagery, amazing fabricated set pieces and virtual simulations to advance the story, ” explains Doug Schaer, COO of Hero Ventures. “Our guests will be interacting directly with multiple Marvel Super Heroes, as well as members of S.H.I.E.L.D., as they take their place in the Marvel Universe."
Sean Haran, Vice President of Business Development at Marvel, is justifiably excited about the way the project will allow millions of Marvel fans to interact with and experience their favourite characters in a completely new environment. "Hero Ventures brings a refreshing and magical approach to showcase our characters in a way that is sure to be a thrilling and unforgettable experience in a uniquely iconic venue, " he says.
Executive Producer Michael Cohl concurs. “It will be a truly unique experience, " he says. “One of the most exciting shows ever produced.”
The precise schedule and venue for The Marvel Experience has not yet been announced but it’s confirmed that its tour will start this year.
Images: Hero Ventures, LLC and Marvel Entertainment, LLC
