Sphere, the Las Vegas entertainment marvel, has reported a stunning $2 million per day in ticket sales for its reimagined version of the 1939 classic *The Wizard of Oz*.
What makes this feat remarkable is the film’s age — nearly a century old — yet it has been transformed into a cutting-edge spectacle using Google AI, tailored for Sphere’s colossal 160,000-square-foot screen. The upgrade, costing $100 million, has breathed new life into the timeless tale, drawing massive crowds and proving that innovation can turn vintage content into a goldmine.
Analysts estimate that at this pace, the project could gross over $1 billion across its run. While that figure might be optimistic, the unrelenting flow of tourists to Vegas — where money often feels like mere paper — helps explain why ticket prices ranging from $100 to $350 barely raise an eyebrow. The experience goes far beyond a traditional screening. During the tornado scene, audiences feel gusts of wind and see leaves and lightning effects, while flying monkeys and apples appear to materialize onstage, creating an immersive adventure that redefines the movie-going experience.
For Sphere, this is the perfect product. The film generates twice the revenue of concerts, with nearly all profits staying with the venue. *The Wizard of Oz* is poised to become a "library title" — a perennial draw that can run for years, anchoring the venue’s lineup. This model leverages Sphere’s unique technology while minimizing reliance on touring acts or external partners.
Yet, the film’s age raises questions. As a 90-year-old relic, its success hinges on AI-driven enhancements, not original storytelling. The industry now wonders: who will Sphere partner with next? Behind-the-scenes buzz points to blockbuster franchises like *Avatar*, *Star Wars*, *Indiana Jones*, and *Harry Potter*.
Securing these could elevate Sphere into a new breed of cinema — one offering experiences impossible to replicate at home. The challenge lies in negotiations. Directors like James Cameron and Steven Spielberg are reluctant to relinquish creative control or allow their works to be heavily edited to fit Sphere’s format. However, with the right financial incentives, this hurdle may prove negotiable.
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Sphere’s *Wizard of Oz* experiment signals a bold future for entertainment, blending AI, immersive tech, and classic IP. If it can crack deals with today’s titans, Vegas might just redefine how we experience movies — turning a night out into a full-sensory journey.
