After attracting sold-out crowds and welcoming more than 2 million visitors across Europe, The Smurf Experience will make its U.S. debut on May 7 with a months-long run at Esports Stadium Arlington. The North Texas run comes with ideal timing: Paramount’s “Smurfs” movie is set for release on July 18.
The fully immersive, 75-minute experience offers a journey into the land of the loveable blue Smurfs to help save the world from the evil wizard, Gargamel, organizers said.
“The Smurfs may be small, but their journey has been anything but,” SBX Group CEO Danny Fritz said in a statement. “From their origins in Europe in the 1950s to their increasing global popularity, we’re excited to bring the world of the Smurfs to life for families in DFW. Based on the success of the attraction in Europe, we believe U.S. audiences will thoroughly enjoy the launch of The Smurf Experience.”
Photo: The Smurf Experience
The Smurf Experience was designed by Belgium-based agency Cecoforma in collaboration with Smurf parent entity Peyo Co. SBX Group, a leader in entertainment attractions, is working with Cecoforma and Peyo Co. to adapt the experience for North American audiences.
The experience will feature nine mission-based zones filled with interactive scavenger hunts, obstacle courses, virtual reality adventures, meet-and-greets with beloved Smurf characters, and more.
Organizers say the experience is hands-on, high-energy fun “for kids and parents alike.”
“When my father first drew these little blue characters decades ago, I don’t think he ever imagined that they’d one day jump off the pages and be able to physically interact with families around the world,” Véronique Culliford, founder & president of Peyo Co. and daughter of Peyo, Belgian cartoonist and the Smurfs’ creator. “It’s wonderful to see The Smurf Experience bring the Smurfs, their story and their values to life in such a meaningful way.”
Timed with summer release of Paramount’s ‘Smurfs’ movie
The experience’s run in North Texas is timed with the release of Paramount Pictures’ new “Smurfs” movie, which opens in theaters July 18. The film stars Rihanna as both a producer and the voice of Smurfette. She’s also behind the soundtrack’s hottest musical hits.
SBX also is partnering with Leap Event Technology as the official ticketing provider for The Smurf Experience in North America.
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