‘Ghostbusters,’ ‘Bad Boys’ Immersive Experiences Coming to Chicago From Sony Pictures

K.J. Yossman
·2 min read
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Fans will soon be able to bring their ghost-busting fantasies to life thanks to Sony Pictures’ first-ever immersive entertainment destination, which is set to open in Chicago next year.

Named Wonderverse, the 45,000 square-foot experience will allow audiences to step into the worlds of the company’s films, series and video games including “Ghostbusters,” “Bad Boys, “Zombieland,” “Jumanji” and “Uncharted.”

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On offer will be a mix of themed physical and immersive multi-media experiences, interactive installations, attractions and dining options including escape rooms, VR and bumper cars as well as bars and restaurants. After 8 p.m. Wonderverse will transform into an adults-only venue, open to guests aged 21 and over.

Wonderverse highlights include:

“Ghostbusters” Virtual Reality Academy and Ghost Trap Bar
Two VR experiences, one, called Arena, which allows fans to suit up with proton packs and bust some ghosts while the other, called Blitz, enables audiences to jump into an ECTO hovercraft and go for a spin. The Ghost Trap bar will also be open to those who fancy something with a bit of spirit.

Bad Boys Racing Club
A racing simulator set along a Miami-inspired skyline giving fans a chance to go on a high-speed chase with plenty of photo-ops.

Zombieland Bumper Cars (courtesy of Sony Pictures)
Zombieland Bumper Cars (courtesy of Sony Pictures)

Zombieland Bumper Cars and Pacific Playground
Not your typical bumper car ride, in this version one driver is chosen as Patient Zero – and with each bump infects other cars. Fellow riders must try and avoid at all costs. Meanwhile the Pacific Playground is inspired by the film’s decrepit carnival. “Master arcade classics, win prizes, and stay alive” reads the tagline.

Jumanji: Reverse the Curse
A virtual reality game in which players must find the stolen jewel to stop evil spreading and “reverse the curse.”

21 Jump Street Pop-Up Bar
One of the few limited time experiences, this pop up bar will enable fans to enjoy a range of school-themed experiences including cocktail chemistry and an art class-inspired “paint and sip” night.

Located just outside of Chicago at the Oakbrook Center, Wonderverse is set to open next month with a soft launch followed by an as-yet-to-be confirmed official opening date in January. Entry to Wonderverse is free with attractions individually priced.

“Wonderverse is an exciting expansion for Sony Pictures’ growing location-based entertainment experiences,” said Jeffrey Godsick, EVP of global partnerships and brand management and head of location based entertainment at Sony Pictures. “Experiences like Wonderverse provide audiences the opportunity to enjoy our brands in new ways by immersing themselves in some of their favorite stories.”

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