At a Glance
- The Sphere in Las Vegas has generated nearly $200 million in ticket sales for a re-imagined Wizard of Oz.
- Tickets range from $100 to $400 on a 160,000-sq-ft spherical screen.
- James Dolan says the venue may be the world’s most profitable, running the film until April 2026.
- Why it matters: It shows immersive tech can revive theater attendance amid streaming growth.
Las Vegas’s Sphere has turned the classic Wizard of Oz into a record-breaking immersive event, pulling in almost $200 million in ticket sales in just six months. The experience features a 160,000-sq-ft spherical screen and tickets that range from $100 to $400. The success signals that immersive tech can pull audiences back to the theater even as streaming dominates.
The Immersive Experience
The Sphere’s 160,000-sq-ft screen surrounds viewers with 360-degree visuals and advanced audio. Tickets range from $100 to $400, reflecting the premium experience. The venue’s goal is to showcase experiential storytelling capabilities.
- 160,000-sq-ft spherical screen
- 360-degree visuals and advanced audio
- Ticket price range $100-$400
- Immersive storytelling
Paul Dergarabedian said:
> “Offering unique experiences ‘further differentiates the theater experience from the at-home experience,'”
Box Office Success
The film opened in August and by December had generated nearly $200 million in ticket sales. Ticket prices ranged from $100 to $400 per seat. The success underscores the viability of immersive large-screen formats.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Ticket sales (by Dec) | $200M |
| Ticket price range | $100-$400 |
| Screen size | 160,000 sq ft |
Heather Morgan said:
> “People want to be part of the conversation … they want to be part of something.”
Industry Context
Hollywood faces a shift as streaming giants like Netflix acquire studios, raising concerns that home viewing will reduce theater attendance. In response, venues are leveraging nostalgia and unique in-person experiences. Examples include Warner Bros. using fake-blood trucks for a horror franchise and Lionsgate having audiences walk on treadmills during a Stephen King adaptation.
- Warner Bros. used fake-blood trucks for Final Destination
- Lionsgate had audiences walk on treadmills for The Long Walk
- Focus Features held a bald screening for Bugonia
Peter Supino said:
> “The Sphere may be ‘the world’s most profitable venue,’ adding that its success could lead to more ‘re-creations of other valuable IP’ for the venue.”
Future Plans
Dolan plans to open a Sphere in Abu Dhabi and smaller versions elsewhere. The venue will continue showing Wizard of Oz through at least April 2026. Both Dolan and WBD CEO David Zaslav appear in cameo roles in the adapted film, which is 30 minutes shorter.
- Abu Dhabi Sphere planned
- Smaller versions in other locations
- Continued run until April 2026
- Cameos by Dolan and Zaslav
- Film shortened by 30 minutes
James Dolan said:
> “Ultimately, we’ll run ‘The Wizard of Oz’ forever. It’s hard for me to imagine a better product than ‘Wizard of Oz.'”
Key Takeaways
- The Sphere’s immersive Wizard of Oz generated nearly $200 million in six months.
- Ticket prices of $100-$400 reflect a premium, high-tech experience.
- The venue’s success may lead to more re-creations of valuable IP and global expansion.
Scarlett Ortiz said:
> “It’s more communal,” she added, “It’s about the people around you, not just the movie.”
The Sphere’s record sales demonstrate that immersive large-screen experiences can draw audiences back to theaters. As the industry adapts to streaming, venues that offer unique, communal experiences may become the new standard.
