The international theme park market is a growing source of interest for major film studios. While Disneyland and Universal Studios are the major players in the industry, Lionsgate is looking to stake its claim when it opens its first indoor theme park for the company's most popular film franchises, including The Hunger Games and Twilight.
The Lionsgate Entertainment World theme park in Hengqin, China opens on July 31 and feature rides, stores, restaurants, and other attractions themed after the company's highly-successful films.
"From escaping the capitol, to braving the mental and physical challenges of Dauntless, to taking on a newborn vampire army with Jacob and the wolf pack, we can't wait for fans to step into the worlds of their favorite films to create their own authentic adventures," Jenefer Brown, Lionsgate's senior vice president of Global Live and Location-Based Entertainment said in a statement.
The Hunger Games fans can enjoy The Hunger Games - Mockingjay Flight, a 3D motion simulator that takes riders on a hovercraft flight through the Capitol, which itself has also been recreated in a large lobby area, complete with restaurants and fashion outlets in the style of the films.
Twilight is featured in a recreation of the town of Forks and two rides: Twilight Saga: Midnight Ride has riders take an exhilarating motorcycle ride through the woods, while Twilight Saga: Bella’s Journey loosely follows protagonist Bella's story throughout the films, including her relationship with Edward Cullen.
Some films that were not as popular with Western audiences found success in China, and have also been featured in the park. Gods of Egypt is the basis of a VR roller coaster that depicts an "epic battle between good and evil," while Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger's Escape Plan has been styled into a prison break escape room for up to 20 people.
Lionsgate Entertainment World is set to open on July 31, and the company aims to have 1.5 million visitors to the 22,000 square-meter park in its first year of operations.
(via The Hollywood Reporter)