Sony Pictures is to open an immersive entertainment destination called Wonderverse at the Oakbrook Center mall in the Chicago metropolitan area.
Attractions at Wonderverse, which opens next month, will be inspired by Sony’s films, TV shows and video games, including Jumanji, Ghostbusters, Bad Boys, Zombieland, Uncharted and 21 Jump Street.
The 45,000-square-foot indoor venue will be home to “a hybrid of physical and immersive multi-media experiences, interactive installations, dynamic attractions, and themed dining experiences”, Sony said.
Highlights include a Ghostbusters virtual reality (VR) experience, a Jumanji VR game, Zombieland-themed bumper cars, Bad Boys racing simulators, Uncharted escape rooms, and a 21 Jump Street pop-up bar.
Sony’s LBE expansion
“Wonderverse is an exciting expansion for Sony Pictures’ growing location-based entertainment experiences,” said Jeffrey Godsick, Sony Pictures’ EVP of global partnerships and brand management, and head of location-based entertainment (LBE).
“Experiences like Wonderverse provide audiences the opportunity to enjoy our brands in new ways by immersing themselves in some of their favorite stories.”
As for F&B, the Commissary Bar will serve cocktails, mocktails and light bites, while the Commissary Restaurant will provide a full menu. The venue will also offer a hidden speakeasy called The Ghost Trap.
“We’re thrilled to be the first location for Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Wonderverse and have it as our largest entertainment option,” said Tim Geiges, senior general manager of Oakbrook Center.
“We often hear from guests how they love our mix of entertainment, so we’re excited to offer a completely new experience for them to enjoy, especially as we approach the colder months.”
Sony is behind LBE experiences including Jumanji-themed attractions in partnership with Merlin Entertainments, Columbia Pictures Aquaverse in Thailand, and an Uncharted ride at PortAventura World in Spain.
Wonderverse will open for previews in December before officially opening in January 2024.
Images courtesy of Sony Pictures
