The usher’s grin was almost manic. He scanned my ticket, gesturing toward the pulsing, otherworldly glow emanating from within. One movie, playing in one place, had somehow become a bigger deal than the latest superhero blockbuster. How could a decades-old classic not only compete but dominate?
The Emerald Curtain: How the Sphere Transformed a Classic
Let’s be honest, the numbers seemed impossible at first glance. A single film, screened at a single venue, cracking the list of the highest-grossing movies of the year? Then the details emerged: The Wizard of Oz at the Las Vegas Sphere, where ticket prices orbit around $100 (€93) and seating capacity dwarfs traditional cinemas.
According to a recent report, this technologically advanced re-release of the 1939 classic raked in approximately $260 million (€242 million) in 2025, after premiering late August. That’s enough to secure the tenth position on the list of highest-grossing domestic film releases in 2025.
While titles such as How to Train Your Dragon (at number nine with $262 million/€244 million) and The Fantastic Four: First Steps (number eight with $274 million/€255 million) might charge around $15 (€14) per ticket, the Sphere’s premium pricing and massive audience capacity, seating over 18,000, create a financial landscape of its own. Is this an apples-to-oranges comparison? Absolutely. Is it fascinating? Without a doubt.
Adding to the story, with the revenue reports and plans for a new Sphere near Washington D.C., Sphere CEO James Dolan has revealed an Oz 2.0 is on the horizon later in the year, boasting entirely revamped effects. Dolan doesn’t anticipate the show ending anytime soon, stating, “What’s the lifespan of Wizard of Oz? It wouldn’t surprise me if we were showing Wizard of Oz 10 years from now.”
What were the reactions to the Sphere’s Wizard of Oz re-release?
The initial wave of reactions to the updated Wizard of Oz visuals was… intense. Concerns swirled around the extensive use of AI in expanding certain images, triggering a fierce debate. However, this online storm didn’t seem to deter the crowds flocking to the Sphere. This situation feels like a high-stakes poker game. Everyone’s bluffing, and the tourists are calling them on it.
During a recent trip to Las Vegas, I was struck by the sheer volume of people heading to the Sphere for The Wizard of Oz. Fans, decked out in character costumes, added to the spectacle. And unlike many Vegas shows, discounts were nonexistent. The demand is there, translating into serious profits—Hollywood-level profits. At this rate, could it join the ranks of Avatar and the Avengers, entering the billion-dollar club?
Beyond Oz: The Future of Cinema at the Sphere
The aroma of popcorn mingled with anticipation. The question on everyone’s mind: Which movie franchise would be next to receive the Sphere treatment? While nothing is confirmed, rumors abound, with Star Wars and Harry Potter frequently mentioned. Dolan has revealed that From the Edge, a film by the creators of Free Solo that “chronicles extreme sports athletes” is coming. As for The Wizard of Oz, it will continue its run. “We plan on basically running Wizard of Oz until we see the demand start to fall off,” Dolan stated. “That could be a lot longer than a year.”
Is the Sphere Experience Worth the Cost?
The elephant in the room is price. Over $100 (€93) for a single movie ticket is a hefty investment. It’s not just about seeing a film; it’s about buying an experience. For some, the immersive visuals and scale of the Sphere justify the cost. For others, it’s an overpriced gimmick. The value equation ultimately depends on individual expectations and willingness to pay for novelty.
What Other Films Could Thrive in the Sphere?
Think about films with sprawling landscapes, epic battles, or fantastical worlds. Lord of the Rings, Dune, and even a visually stunning animated film like Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse could be incredible inside the Sphere. Success depends on more than just visual spectacle. A compelling narrative and a sense of wonder are key ingredients.
The Sphere’s success with The Wizard of Oz isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about crafting an event. Will this model revolutionize how we consume entertainment, or is it a flash in the pan?
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.