Merlin and Sony Pictures Entertainment team up for Jumanji rides, lands, shops and hotel rooms

Merlin Entertainments has signed a multi-territory agreement with Sony Pictures Entertainment to develop and operate Jumanji attractions, rides, lands, shops and hotel rooms.

Kicking off the partnership will be Jumanji: The Adventure – the world’s first Jumanji ride – opening next month at Merlin’s Gardaland Resort in Italy. The ride launches alongside several fully themed Jumanji hotel bedrooms.

A second activation, due to open in 2023, is already in development at a different theme park.

“Merlin is the ideal company to bring the world of Jumanji to life,” said Jeffrey Godsick, EVP of Global Partnerships and Brand Management, and Head of Location Based Entertainment, at Sony Pictures Entertainment.

“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.”

Mark Fisher, Chief Development Officer at Merlin Entertainments, added: “We are excited to be taking our relationship with Sony Pictures Entertainment to the next level with this strategic partnership.

“Sony are 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. Our Merlin team are 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!”