Sony Pictures Entertainment has signed a deal with the Chessington World of Adventures Resort and theme park to bring “Jumanji” to life.
The world of Jumanji, an all-new £17 million ($20 million) land, is set to open in Chessington in the spring of 2023.
It will be the first Jumanji-themed land on the planet.
First-look photos, showing the proposed designs for the land, give a glimpse of a jungle-like entry gate including a 17-meter-high Jaguar shrine. Details of the games, attractions and experiences that Jumanji World will witness in the coming months are set to be revealed.
Earlier this year, Merlin Entertainments, which operates Chessington World of Adventures, and Sony’s Columbia Pictures Location Based Entertainment signed an exclusive multi-region deal.
Courtesy of Chessington World of Adventures
Sony is reportedly looking at new ways to take advantage of the globally known IP stable, while Merlin, who also operates UK theme parks including Alton Towers, Thorpe Park and Legoland Windsor, says its “wider global strategy” includes working with IP. and leading brands.
“What could be more exciting than bringing the iconic Jumanji movie franchise to life within the largest single development Chessington has ever seen,” Tim Harrison Jones, division manager at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, said in a statement. “We know what it takes to create the ultimate adventure for our guests, and on 128 acres, the resort already offers surprises around every corner with over 40 rides and wild rides, a zoo with over 1,000 majestic animals and two private hotels, plus luxury camping!”
“After enjoying the films for many years, fans now have the opportunity to experience ‘Jumanji’ in a whole new dimension and we are excited to go on this exciting adventure,” said Jeffrey Godsick, Executive Vice President of Global Partnerships and Brand Management and Head of Location-Based Entertainment at Sony Pictures Entertainment. With the creative team at Chessington while Jumanji expands even further with its own land.”
The Jumanji franchise, which is based on a 1981 children’s book by Chris Van Allsberg, has spawned four films, including the 1995 blockbuster starring Robin Williams, Bonnie Hunt, Kirsten Dunst and Jonathan Hyde, and more recent adaptations featuring Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas, and Bobby Cannavale.
Chessington previously had a licensing deal with animation studio Magic Light Pictures, which resulted in rides based on the studio’s adaptation of the children’s books “The Gruffalo” and “Room on the Broom.”
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