Google and Sphere Entertainment announce a transformative AI partnership to bring The Wizard of Oz to life using generative AI at Sphere in Las Vegas.
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| Google and Sphere are revolutionizing entertainment with AI technology to reimagine The Wizard of Oz for Sphere’s massive 16k display, set to open in Las Vegas. Image: CH |
Las Vegas, USA — April 9, 2025:
In a groundbreaking announcement, Google and Sphere Entertainment revealed a revolutionary AI technology partnership to bring an immersive version of The Wizard of Oz to life at Sphere in Las Vegas. This collaboration is set to push the limits of entertainment technology, blending AI with traditional filmmaking techniques to enhance the classic 1939 film in ways never seen before.
Opening on August 28, 2025, The Wizard of Oz at Sphere will leverage Google’s advanced AI models, including Gemini, Veo 2, and Imagen 3, to elevate the film’s resolution, extend backgrounds, and digitally recreate characters who could not appear together on screen. The project is supported by Google Cloud’s scalable infrastructure, capable of handling the massive data requirements—1.2 petabytes of data processed to date—necessary to create this immersive experience.
“We needed a partner who could push boundaries alongside us, and Google was the only company equipped to meet the challenge on the world’s highest resolution LED screen,” said Jim Dolan, Executive Chairman and CEO of Sphere Entertainment.
Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud, emphasized the potential of generative AI in creating new experiences for both audiences and filmmakers. “This partnership exemplifies how generative AI can unlock new possibilities for storytelling,” he stated.
Using AI, Sphere will offer an unprecedented version of The Wizard of Oz, expanding beyond the original film’s limitations. Sphere’s massive 160,000-square-foot display will be powered by Google’s AI technology to create a fully immersive experience. This includes the super-resolution capabilities of Veo 2, which will enhance the film's resolution to 16k, essential for the ultra-high-definition display.
AI tools like Veo 2 will also be used for outpainting, extending the film’s visual elements and creating seamless new backgrounds and characters that faithfully expand the original scenes. For performance generation, Veo combined with Gemini will allow multiple characters to stay on screen longer, enhancing the immersive experience by eliminating traditional editing cuts.
In addition, Sphere's AI infrastructure will employ Google’s Tensor Processor Units (TPUs) and Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) to process massive datasets, ensuring the enhanced visuals remain consistent throughout the film’s extended sequences.
Sphere is redefining the future of live entertainment with its cutting-edge technology. Located in Las Vegas, the venue hosts a variety of innovative experiences, from concerts to original immersive events, all designed to take storytelling to new heights.
With the collaboration of Google and Sphere, The Wizard of Oz will not only honor the classic film's legacy but will also offer a new, dynamic way to experience the iconic story, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in entertainment technology.