The team behind the groundbreaking Las Vegas Sphere has announced an exciting new venture in collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery, Google Cloud, and the creative tech company Magnopus. Together, they will use advanced computing and generative AI technology to reimagine the beloved 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz for a multisensory, immersive experience. The reworked version of the iconic film will open on August 28, 2025, offering visitors a chance to experience the classic tale in an entirely new way, utilizing the Sphere’s state-of-the-art technology.
Sphere Entertainment, in partnership with Google Cloud and Magnopus, is utilizing generative AI and the immense power of cloud computing to reimagine The Wizard of Oz. The Sphere’s 160,000-square-foot wraparound interior LED display will present the film in stunning 16K by 16K resolution, with Google Cloud providing the necessary infrastructure to process and render the vast amounts of data required for such an ambitious project.
“The Wizard of Oz at Sphere” will not only present the film in higher resolution but will also offer an enhanced, immersive experience that brings the story to life in ways never before seen. The film’s visual quality will be upscaled using Google Cloud’s AI tools, allowing for a reimagined version that blends classic elements with new, cutting-edge digital enhancements. This collaboration marks the beginning of a broader AI partnership between Sphere Entertainment and Google Cloud.
The original 1939 Warner Bros. film, created using a three-strip Technicolor 35mm motion picture camera, was once the pinnacle of technological innovation. However, the digital rework will utilize Google Cloud’s powerful AI systems, including Gemini models, Veo 2, and Imagen 3, to enhance the film’s resolution. These technologies will also expand backgrounds to fill the Sphere’s massive screens and digitally recreate characters who were originally absent from certain scenes. The project has already processed an estimated 1.2 petabytes of data to bring this vision to life.
“The power of generative AI, combined with Google’s infrastructure and expertise, is helping us to achieve something extraordinary,” said Jim Dolan, executive chairman and CEO of Sphere Entertainment. “We needed a partner who could push boundaries alongside our teams at Sphere Studios and Magnopus, and Google was the only company equipped to meet the challenge on the world’s highest resolution LED screen.”
The innovative approach behind this reimagining of The Wizard of Oz is a prime example of how new technologies are transforming how classic films are presented to audiences. By pushing the limits of AI and digital enhancement, this collaboration aims to deliver an immersive experience that honors the original film’s visionary spirit while incorporating new elements that take full advantage of modern technology.
Google Cloud’s involvement in the project goes beyond just providing technical support. “Our partnership with Sphere on The Wizard of Oz at Sphere is a great example of pushing the boundaries of generative AI to deliver exciting new experiences for audiences – and new opportunities for studios and filmmakers,” said Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud. “We are honored to play a role in such an ambitious project to bring a classic piece of Americana to an entirely new generation of audiences.”
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In addition to Google Cloud, Sphere Entertainment is working with Magnopus, a Los Angeles-based studio founded by Academy Award-winning VFX artists Ben Grossman and Alex Henning, whose work includes acclaimed films such as Hugo. Magnopus is contributing its expertise in visual effects and immersive technology to help realize the ambitious vision for The Wizard of Oz at Sphere.
The Sphere’s high-resolution display will offer a sensory experience that extends beyond just the visuals. The technology will also incorporate elements of sound, light, and movement, creating a fully immersive environment that allows audiences to experience The Wizard of Oz in ways that were not previously possible. By integrating elements like 3D audio and tactile features, the experience promises to be unlike anything seen in traditional movie theaters.
The upcoming installation of The Wizard of Oz at the Sphere is part of a broader effort to leverage the venue’s capabilities to create innovative, multisensory experiences. With the Sphere’s vast, dome-like screen and cutting-edge technology, the possibilities for reimagining classic films and creating new immersive content are virtually limitless.
The Sphere has already established itself as a leader in innovative entertainment experiences, and the reimagining of The Wizard of Oz will likely set a new benchmark for immersive cinema. With its combination of generative AI, high-definition resolution, and sensory enhancements, this project is poised to captivate both long-time fans of the film and new generations of viewers.
As the opening date for The Wizard of Oz at Sphere approaches, anticipation continues to build around the film’s reimagined visuals and immersive experience. The project stands as a testament to the power of collaboration between technology companies, filmmakers, and creative visionaries, and it will undoubtedly become a must-see event for audiences in Las Vegas and beyond.
In the years to come, this groundbreaking partnership between Sphere Entertainment, Google Cloud, and Magnopus is expected to inspire other creators and entertainment venues to explore the potential of AI and immersive technologies in transforming how we experience films and live performances.
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For those planning to attend, tickets for The Wizard of Oz at Sphere will be available soon, with the exhibition opening to the public on August 28, 2025. Fans of the timeless classic and technology enthusiasts alike will not want to miss this historic reimagining.
