Disney and Cosm Announce Multi-Year Partnership for Immersive Shared Reality Cinema

The Walt Disney Company and immersive technology firm Cosm have entered into a multi-year, multi-film partnership to bring major cinematic franchises to the Shared Reality format. This agreement marks a significant expansion for Cosm, which utilizes 12K+ LED domes to create immersive environments that bridge virtual and physical experiences. The collaboration will feature selections from Disney’s extensive library of films and intellectual properties. The partnership will officially launch in March 2027 with a special presentation of Star Wars: A New Hope. This event is designed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Academy Award-winning film that originally debuted in 1977. The production will be developed in collaboration with Disney, Lucasfilm, Industrial Light & Magic, and MakeMake. During the experience, the film will be displayed in its original 16:9 format at the center of the dome. The surrounding visual environment will dynamically evolve to immerse the audience in iconic locations from the Star Wars galaxy. Guests will be able to witness scenes such as the destruction of Alderaan and the final trench run to defeat the Death Star. Alexis Scalice, the Vice President and Head of Cosm Studios, noted the historical significance of the franchise in the entertainment industry. She stated that the team is privileged to work with their partners to provide fans across generations an opportunity to step inside the Star Wars galaxy in a new way. The project aims to honor the legacy of the film while utilizing modern technology to enhance viewer engagement. Cosm has been building its portfolio of cinema content to include various genres such as animation, fantasy, horror, and science fiction. This deal with Disney represents the studio's latest move to secure high-profile content for its growing network of venues. The company currently operates locations in Atlanta, Dallas, Detroit, and Los Angeles. Tickets for the Star Wars experience are scheduled to go on sale in 2027. The company plans to continue expanding its footprint to new cities and countries as it develops its Shared Reality platform. This expansion is part of a broader effort to redefine how audiences experience live sports, entertainment, and educational content. This partnership arrives as the entertainment industry continues to explore new ways to drive theatrical attendance through unique, event-based experiences. By combining classic film libraries with immersive technology, companies are seeking to offer value that cannot be replicated in a standard home viewing environment. The move reflects a broader trend of studios looking for innovative distribution channels for their established intellectual property. Industry analysts have noted that such experiential media investments are becoming increasingly important as the competition for audience attention intensifies. Retailers and entertainment companies alike are investing in these formats to create deeper connections with consumers. Whether these immersive experiences will translate into sustained long-term growth remains a key focus for industry stakeholders. As Cosm prepares for the 2027 launch, the company is also managing its existing portfolio of immersive art and sports programming. The integration of major studio content is expected to be a cornerstone of its strategy to attract diverse audiences to its venues. Further details regarding the specific films included in the multi-year agreement are expected to be released in the coming months. This collaboration highlights the ongoing evolution of the cinema exhibition sector. As traditional box office models face challenges, companies are increasingly turning to technology to provide premium, differentiated experiences. The success of this initiative will likely influence future licensing deals between major studios and immersive technology providers.