Cosm has announced a multi-year, multi-film partnership with Universal Film, and the collaboration is launching in a big way: with Shrek.
The immersive entertainment company revealed today that the 2001 Academy Award-winning DreamWorks Animation film — celebrating its 25th anniversary this year — will become the first animated film to receive the “Shared Reality” treatment. Shrek in Shared Reality was developed with Universal Film, DreamWorks Animation, and visual effects studio Reel FX, and it invites audiences to step into the film’s world, wandering through locations like Shrek’s Swamp, Duloc’s Arena, and Dragon’s Keep while the story plays out alongside them.
The original film stays intact in its standard 16:9 format, but the surrounding environment—spread across Cosm’s 12K+ LED Dome—shifts and evolves throughout the experience to match the film’s tone and humor.
“Shrek is an iconic franchise that continues to find new ways to surprise and delight audiences,” said David O’Connor, Chief Brand Officer at Universal Entertainment, in a statement. “With Cosm, we’re pushing the boundaries of how fans can experience this beloved story beyond the screen with an interactive trip into Shrek’s world.”
“Shrek is an iconic franchise that continues to find new ways to surprise and delight audiences.”
Alexis Scalice, VP and Head of Cosm Studios, called the project a milestone for the company’s technology. “Our first animated film, Shrek in Shared Reality, allows us to amplify the humor and irreverent charm that makes its story and characters beloved across generations,” Scalice said, adding that the partnership “reinforces our confidence in what is truly possible for immersive entertainment.”
With this deal, Universal becomes Cosm’s second major studio partner, following the launch of Cosm’s first four Shared Reality cinematic experiences last summer. It’s also the first time Cosm has applied its full-dome immersive filmmaking approach to an animated title.
Beyond the visuals, Cosm is leaning into the bit: fans attending Shrek in Shared Reality can order from an “ogre-worthy” themed menu featuring swamp-inspired bites, cocktails, and mocktails.
Tickets go on sale this fall for Cosm venues in Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta, and Detroit. Fans can sign up for updates at cosm.com/events/shrek-in-shared-reality.
The timing lines up with a bigger moment for the franchise — DreamWorks is bringing back Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, and Eddie Murphy for Shrek 5 in 2027, joined by Zendaya as Shrek and Fiona’s daughter, Felicia.
