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NEWS
Wanda’s acquisition of Legendary Entertainment paves way for Jurassic World theme park
POSTED 12 Jan 2016 . BY Tom Anstey
Jurassic World has generated more than US$1.6bn in box office revenue, standing as the fourth-highest-grossing film of all time Credit: Legendary Entertainment
Chinese property and entertainment giant Wanda has announced the US$3.5bn (€3.2bn, £2.4bn) acquisition of Legendary Entertainment, opening the door for a Jurassic World theme park in Australia among a host of other future projects.

Producer of films including Jurassic World, The Dark Knight and Godzilla, Legendary’s IPs will now be available to Wanda’s theme park arm, with the company recently revealing plans for a multi-billion dollar theme park development on Australia’s Gold Coast.

Wanda, which is China’s largest property developer, is aiming to surpass Disney as the world’s largest tourism enterprise by 2020. It hopes to welcome more than 200 million people to its worldwide attractions every year, with tourism income in excess of CN¥100bn (US$16.1bn, €14.6bn, £10.3bn) annually.

Concept images show the theme park plan laid out like a traditional zoo. Notable features detailed in the artistic impression include an Aqua Dome, Volcano and Mountain Cave, and multiple natural settings. Although it has not been confirmed, life-sized animatronic dinosaurs would likely roam enclosures, with various rides added to create an authentic Jurassic Park experience.

A recent independent study by CITI equity researchers has said the plans would boost overall Gold Coast theme park attendance by 10 per cent, but would potentially take away a third of trade from the region’s three major existing theme parks.

“Together, Wanda and Legendary will create a completely new international entertainment company,” said Legendary CEO Thomas Tull, speaking on the acquisition. “There is an ever growing demand for quality entertainment content worldwide and we will combine our respective strengths to bring an even better entertainment experience to the world’s audiences.”
PROJECT PROFILE:

Wanda Gold Coast theme park
Wanda’s bid to become the world's largest tourism entity continues with its chair, Wang Jianlin, announcing plans for a multi-billion dollar theme park and resort development on Australia’s Gold Coast.


RELATED STORIES
  Gold Coast theme parks under threat from new Wanda development: report


A new independent report has said that plans for a multi-billion dollar Gold Coast theme park in Australia have the potential to take away a third of trade from the region’s three major existing theme parks.
  Jurassic World exhibition making debut in Australia ahead of worldwide tour


Imagine Exhibitions has teamed up with Universal to develop a touring exhibition based on the Jurassic World franchise, debuting in Australia’s Melbourne Museum ahead of a worldwide tour.
  Wanda plans multi-billion dollar Gold Coast theme park in Australia


Wanda’s bid to become the world's largest tourism entity continues with its chair, Wang Jianlin, announcing plans for a multi-billion dollar theme park and resort development on Australia’s Gold Coast.
  Universal Japan reveals Jurassic Park coaster coming in 2016


Universal Studios Japan (USJ) has announced plans for a Jurassic Park-themed flying coaster, with a ¥10bn (US$83.4m, €74.2m, £54.9m) investment into the B&M- manufactured ride.
MORE NEWS
Rainer Maelzer joins Therme Group as chief entertainment officer
Rainer Maelzer, an experiential entertainment innovator, has been appointed chief entertainment officer by Therme Group.
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Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Therme Manchester’s 28-acre development, which will include interconnected glass pavilions that measure 65,000sq m, will be the largest bathing and wellbeing attraction in the world once complete, according to prof David Russell, CEO of Therme UK. 
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instantprint

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NEWS
Wanda’s acquisition of Legendary Entertainment paves way for Jurassic World theme park
POSTED 12 Jan 2016 . BY Tom Anstey
Jurassic World has generated more than US$1.6bn in box office revenue, standing as the fourth-highest-grossing film of all time Credit: Legendary Entertainment
Chinese property and entertainment giant Wanda has announced the US$3.5bn (€3.2bn, £2.4bn) acquisition of Legendary Entertainment, opening the door for a Jurassic World theme park in Australia among a host of other future projects.

Producer of films including Jurassic World, The Dark Knight and Godzilla, Legendary’s IPs will now be available to Wanda’s theme park arm, with the company recently revealing plans for a multi-billion dollar theme park development on Australia’s Gold Coast.

Wanda, which is China’s largest property developer, is aiming to surpass Disney as the world’s largest tourism enterprise by 2020. It hopes to welcome more than 200 million people to its worldwide attractions every year, with tourism income in excess of CN¥100bn (US$16.1bn, €14.6bn, £10.3bn) annually.

Concept images show the theme park plan laid out like a traditional zoo. Notable features detailed in the artistic impression include an Aqua Dome, Volcano and Mountain Cave, and multiple natural settings. Although it has not been confirmed, life-sized animatronic dinosaurs would likely roam enclosures, with various rides added to create an authentic Jurassic Park experience.

A recent independent study by CITI equity researchers has said the plans would boost overall Gold Coast theme park attendance by 10 per cent, but would potentially take away a third of trade from the region’s three major existing theme parks.

“Together, Wanda and Legendary will create a completely new international entertainment company,” said Legendary CEO Thomas Tull, speaking on the acquisition. “There is an ever growing demand for quality entertainment content worldwide and we will combine our respective strengths to bring an even better entertainment experience to the world’s audiences.”
RELATED STORIES
Gold Coast theme parks under threat from new Wanda development: report


A new independent report has said that plans for a multi-billion dollar Gold Coast theme park in Australia have the potential to take away a third of trade from the region’s three major existing theme parks.
Jurassic World exhibition making debut in Australia ahead of worldwide tour


Imagine Exhibitions has teamed up with Universal to develop a touring exhibition based on the Jurassic World franchise, debuting in Australia’s Melbourne Museum ahead of a worldwide tour.
Wanda plans multi-billion dollar Gold Coast theme park in Australia


Wanda’s bid to become the world's largest tourism entity continues with its chair, Wang Jianlin, announcing plans for a multi-billion dollar theme park and resort development on Australia’s Gold Coast.
Universal Japan reveals Jurassic Park coaster coming in 2016


Universal Studios Japan (USJ) has announced plans for a Jurassic Park-themed flying coaster, with a ¥10bn (US$83.4m, €74.2m, £54.9m) investment into the B&M- manufactured ride.
MORE NEWS
Rainer Maelzer joins Therme Group as chief entertainment officer
Rainer Maelzer, an experiential entertainment innovator, has been appointed chief entertainment officer by Therme Group.
Movie Park Germany reveals new Paramount attraction as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations
Movie Park Germany has opened a new Paramount Pictures-themed attraction as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, using immersive storytelling and adaptive reuse to reinforce the park’s longstanding “Hollywood in Germany” positioning.
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Therme Manchester’s 28-acre development, which will include interconnected glass pavilions that measure 65,000sq m, will be the largest bathing and wellbeing attraction in the world once complete, according to prof David Russell, CEO of Therme UK. 
Efteling expands family offer with new Hooghmoed drop tower
Efteling has opened Hooghmoed, a new family drop tower designed to broaden the appeal of its recently launched Sirene Island themed area and introduce younger visitors to thrill attractions.
Universal and Puy du Fou projects point to rise of Oxford–Cambridge corridor
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’ planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford– Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism inv
Shedd Aquarium upgrades its visitor experience with new Immersion Theater
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COMPANY PROFILES
Sally Corporation

Our services include: Dark ride design & build; Redevelopment of existing attractions; High-quality [more...]
Alterface

Alterface’s Creative Division team is seasoned in concept and ride development, as well as storyte [more...]
iPlayCO

iPlayCo was established in 1999. [more...]
instantprint

We’re a Yorkshire-based online printer, founded in 2009 by Adam Carnell and James Kinsella. [more...]
+ More profiles  
FEATURED SUPPLIER

Iconic Liverpool attraction opens door to new operators
An opportunity to reimagine one of the UK’s most recognisable towers has been formally opened by Rivington Hark, as St Johns Beacon invites operators and partners to shape its next phase. [more...]
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

09-11 Jun 2026

World Sauna Forum 2026

Savutuvan Apaja, Haapaniemi, Finland
23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
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