Cosm Expands Presence with New Theaters and Partnerships

The movie-going experience is about to get a major boost from immersive entertainment technology company Cosm. What started as programming for planetariums has evolved into an elevated cinematic experience that drops viewers into iconic Hollywood sets and sports venues around the world.

Cosm's massive domed screens offer a unique viewing experience, making it a prime player in the premium large format (PLF) ticket market. The theatrical industry is currently experiencing significant growth from PLF sales, with Cosm capitalizing on this trend by offering a fresh take on the traditional movie-going experience.

The company has quickly expanded its footprint and content library since 2024, opening four theaters near major cities like Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta, and Detroit. A Cleveland hub is set to open in 2027, further solidifying Cosm's presence in the market.

Cosm's innovative approach to movie-going has attracted attention from sports fans, with its venues hosting live matchups that sell out quickly. This experimental model has proven successful, paving the way for new partnerships and content additions.

To expand its offerings, Cosm has partnered with Hollywood studios like Warner Bros., Universal, and others to bring popular films like "The Matrix," "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory," "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," and "It to its locations.

Cosm's partnerships with Hollywood studios have opened up new opportunities for moviegoers seeking premium experiences.

The company is expanding its offerings to include more immersive screenings, which can cost anywhere from $18 for a matinee showing to around $70 for prime seats or in-demand showings. These prices do not take into account additional fees for concessions or specialty items tied to specific movies.

Cosm has secured significant investments from prominent companies and individuals, including Sony's $100 million stake, which also brought Sony Pictures Entertainment Chairman and CEO Ravi Ahuja onto its board of directors.

Other notable investors in Cosm include Mirasol Capital, Avenue Sports Fund, Rock, and Bolt Ventures. These partnerships are expected to fuel the company's growth as it aims for a significant rollout of new locations.

Cosm is still early in its development phase, according to Jay Levine, chief strategy and business operations officer at Sony, who sees the company's experiential platform as having long-term potential.

Sony's foray into theatrical experiences has been marked by significant investments in recent years. The company acquired Alamo Drafthouse in 2024 and took on a long-term lease to revive the Cinerama Dome in Los Angeles this summer.

A key component of Sony's strategy is creating immersive experiences that combine technology, fandom, and innovative content distribution methods. These differentiated approaches aim to set them apart from traditional cinema offerings.

Cosm's unique approach involves large, concave screens that envelop viewers on all sides. The 87-foot diameter of these screens drops audiences into the heart of the action, whether it's an NFL game or a sci-fi epic like The Matrix. Upcoming locations will feature even larger domes, with Cleveland boasting a massive 100-foot screen.

Cosm Studios' head, Alexis Scalice, notes that fans crave opportunities to engage with their favorite franchises in new and dynamic ways. This desire is not limited to sports fandom, but extends to cinema as well.

Each Cosm dome features stadium-style seating arranged around the large screens, complete with booths and tables on multiple levels. The expansive width of these domes creates a sense of immersion, making viewers feel part of the on-screen world.

The Los Angeles and Dallas locations offer seating for approximately 350 patrons each, while newer venues in Atlanta and Detroit accommodate up to 500 guests. The Cleveland location's larger screen is expected to provide an even greater capacity.

Cosm has developed a unique approach to live sports broadcasting by installing specialty cameras in arenas that transmit real-time footage to its domed screens. This immersive experience allows spectators to feel as though they are part of the action, rather than just watching from afar.

In addition to live events, Cosm's cinematic offerings involve projecting films onto its large dome screen in a way that transforms the surrounding environment into an integral part of the movie. For example, during scenes where characters interact with their surroundings, those environments come alive on the screen, further immersing viewers in the story.

Cosm has collaborated with experiential production company Little Cinema and creative studio MakeMake to create visually stunning environments for its film screenings. This partnership involves a year-long process of storyboarding, visual effects work, and post-production refinement to ensure that every moment is crafted to elevate the emotional impact of the movie.

The company's approach is guided by a commitment to preserving the integrity of the original story, according to Scalice. By working closely with studios like Warner Bros. and creative partners, Cosm seeks to enhance key moments without detracting from the narrative.

Cosm has thus far focused on releasing classic films that have long-standing fan bases, such as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

As Cosm continues to grow its premium moviegoing offerings, it's leveraging a key factor in attracting audiences: nostalgia. By showcasing classic films that have stood the test of time, the company is tapping into the sentimental value that these movies hold for their long-standing fan bases.

Cosm's strategy has allowed it to expand its reach across various genres and demographics, from horror and science fiction to family-friendly and R-rated content. Its upcoming release of Shrek on December 16 marks a significant milestone in its animation offerings.

Industry insiders are taking notice of Cosm's success, with Sony's Levine praising the company's impressive fill rates for titles like Harry Potter" and "Shrek". This trend is not limited to Cosm alone, as studios and exhibitors alike seek innovative ways to showcase Hollywood's product in a rapidly changing market.

The shift towards premium experiences has been driven by declining cinema attendance figures and rising ticket prices. However, the popularity of immersive formats such as Imax, Dolby Cinema, and 4DX has helped to mask these declines.

The cost of attending a Cosm event varies depending on showtime and venue, but averages significantly higher than standard movie tickets.

According to industry data, premium tickets typically range from $18 or more per person, while prices for Cosm's events are even higher due to their immersive nature.