Google gives ‘The Wizard of Oz’ an AI refresh as it heralds a new paradigm in immersive storytelling at the Las Vegas Sphere

A partnership between Google Cloud, Sphere, Magnopus, and Warner Bros. Discover is set to transform the classic story of The Wizard of Oz using cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) and an advanced computing infrastructure.

This collaboration represents the future of visual storytelling, blending Google’s sophisticated AI models with Sphere’s groundbreaking venue. As Thomas Kurian, CEO of Google Cloud, remarked, “We feel a deep responsibility to deliver something extraordinary. It’s the first time AI has been used on this scale and this importance, and it’s our job to make sure people experience this story in a completely new way.” This project not only reimagines the iconic film but also establishes new boundaries for the entertainment industry.

During an interaction with James Dolan, Executive Chairman and CEO of Sphere Entertainment Company, Mr. Kurian said that when he first visited venue two years ago, he knew this was a different kind of experience. “I thought to myself, ‘What a different experience. This is not cinematography; this is experiential media,’” Kurian shared.

After that visit, Google Cloud joined forces with Sphere to bring a new vision of the century-old classic to life, incorporating AI technology to enhance the film’s resolution, extend backgrounds, and digitally recreate characters in innovative ways.

Mr. Dolan, the driving force behind Sphere, emphasised the importance of pushing boundaries: “There’s a sign in my staff meeting room that says, ‘Argue for your limitations, and you get to keep them.’ And that’s really the story of the Sphere.” His words reflect the ambitious nature of the project, where both technology and creativity converge to break through limits in the entertainment world.

At the heart of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ at Sphere are Google Cloud’s AI technologies, including the Gemini models, Veo 2, and Imagen 3. These tools will intelligently enhance the film, boosting resolution, extending scenes, and even allowing digital characters to interact in ways never before possible. “What we’re doing with AI here is not just about solving problems we know how to fix. It’s about finding a path to solving problems we never thought we could,” said Kurian. This synergy between AI and creative storytelling aims to deliver an immersive experience that feels both familiar and innovative.

The project has already processed over 1.2 petabytes of data, leveraging Google Cloud’s scalable infrastructure to manage the complex demands of this ambitious undertaking. Kurian shared, “It’s amazing to watch the creative minds at Google DeepMind and Google Cloud come together, thinking not only about the technical aspects but also about how they impact the storytelling process.”

The success of The Wizard of Oz at Sphere is a testament to the unique collaboration between Sphere, Google Cloud, Magnopus, and Warner Bros. Discovery. Mr. Dolan highlighted the significance of this partnership: “When we first thought about doing The Wizard of Oz, we realised we needed the best AI. We went to six different companies, but Google was the only one that could make this vision a reality. This has been a true partnership, not just a vendor relationship.”

The integration of art and technology is central to the project as Mr. Dolan explained, “The artists collaborated with the technologists and spoke to the AI, which spoke back to us. It’s been this full communication process. The marriage of art and technology has never been done like this before.” This ongoing collaboration is helping to ensure that every detail— from camera angles to visual effects is perfected for the massive Sphere screen.

As Sphere prepares to debut The Wizard of Oz at Sphere, the technology that powers this experience is only the beginning of what’s possible. Kurian sees this project as a stepping stone for even more groundbreaking uses of AI in entertainment. “Our engineers are constantly thinking about how AI can assist the creative process. For example, the VO2 model we’ve developed allows for dynamic camera angles and the ability to fill in missing details. This work is just the start of something amazing,” Kurian stated.

Dolan also hinted at what’s next for Sphere, saying, “We’re going to continue pushing boundaries, programming this environment to make it more and more real for the audience. The goal is to eventually convince you that you’re not sitting in a theater but are somewhere completely different.”

The Sphere in Las Vegas is a revolutionary entertainment venue designed to deliver an unparalleled immersive experience. With its massive, spherical structure and cutting-edge technology, including a 360-degree wrap around screen and spatial audio, the Sphere creates a fully immersive environment that transports audiences into the heart of the action.

Combining state-of-the-art visuals, sound, and AI-powered innovations, the Sphere is a technological marvel that redefines live, immersive entertainment, offering a one-of-a-kind experience that pushes the boundaries of storytelling and audience engagement.

With ‘The Wizard of Oz’ at Sphere, Sphere and Google Cloud are setting the stage for a new era of immersive entertainment. The collaboration between AI experts and creative visionaries is a model for the future, demonstrating how technology can transform storytelling in ways that were once unimaginable.

As Mr. Kurian noted, “It’s almost like you’re witnessing the birth of a new form of entertainment.”

In 1939, the ‘Wizard of Oz’ revolutionised the entertainment industry with its use of Technicolour, and now, nearly a century later, ‘The Wizard of Oz at Sphere’ will once again redefine visual experiences, this time through AI and immersive technology.

As Sphere prepares for the grand opening of ‘The Wizard of Oz at Sphere’ on August 28, the partnership between Google Cloud and Sphere’s undoubtedly heralds a new era in storytelling.

(The writer was invited to the Google Next ’25 event at Las Vegas, Nevada)