Jumanji is Being Turned Into a Theme Park Ride

Family film series Jumanji is being turned into a new theme park ride, with potentially more to come across North America and Europe. A new deal could see Jumanji used to create rides, attractions, entire theme park lands, hotels, and more.

Sony Pictures has officially partnered with Merlin Entertainments, the operators of the UK’s Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, Madame Tussaud’s, and Legoland, to bring Jumanji to life with a new range of experiences.

The first of these is the world’s first Jumanji ride – opening in April 2022 at the Gardaland Resort in Italy. A second ride is also in development at a separate location for a 2023 launch.

“The attraction will be called Jumanji – the Adventure,” reads an official statement. “It will transport guests to the fantastic world of Jumanji, where an exhilarating adventure awaits them: a journey full of pitfalls, surprises, and dangers through the wild jungle.”

Alongside the new ride at Gardaland, you’ll find fully themed Jumanji hotel rooms. You know, if you ever wanted to live in a perilous jungle-themed board game.

“Our Merlin team are already hard at work developing brilliant creative concepts,” said Merlin’s chief development officer, Mark Fisher. “We can’t wait to deliver thrilling rides and experiences for guests and film fans alike! The game is certainly on!”

Jumanji was a huge hit back in 1995, starring Robin Williams as Alan Parrish – a young boy trapped inside a supernatural board game decades ago, which has since been reopened by two friends, unleashing a dangerous game into the world.

It was recently rebooted with Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle – a video game-inspired remake starring Dwayne Johnson and Jack Black, which has since spawned a sequel.

It’s unclear whether the new parks and rides will be based on both versions of the popular franchise. That said, I wouldn’t be surprised. The Jumanji franchise has grossed over $2.1bn at the box office to date.

Elsewhere, Disney is planning to create entire communities inspired by its theme parks, while Nintendo will open its upcoming Super Nintendo World in the United States next year.

Ryan Leston is an entertainment journalist and film critic for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter.

Author: Ryan Leston. [Source Link (*), IGN All]

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