More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A £5 billion theme park set to open in Kent by 2024 has sensationally signed a new deal with Hollywood film studios Paramount Pictures almost two years to the day after their relationship collapsed.
The London Resort, set cover the size of 136 Wembley Stadiums on Swanscombe Peninsula between Gravesend and Dartford, will once again become home to attractions based on The Godfather, The Italian Job and Mission: Impossible after the shock announcement.
The future of the tourist attraction, which has had its opening date delayed four times, was thrown into doubt when it was revealed in 2017 the Hollywood studio would no longer lend its name to the attraction, which had been known as London Paramount until that point.
Their relationship collapsed after the resort’s developers and the studio were left unable to agree terms on some of the rights to major films, including the image rights for some of their top stars.
Since then, the theme park's backers have signed an intellectual property deal with ITV, which will bring attractions like Thunderbirds to the county, alongside a long-standing agreement it has had with the BBC.
However, it suffered embarrassment when it was revealed last month Wallace and Gromit creators Aardman Animations had quietly pulled out of an agreement to lend their name to any attractions.
Paramount and the London Resort's other partners will give rights for their content to become the theme of rides across 200 acres.
PY Gerbeau, the newly appointed chief executive of the resort, who was in charge of the Millennium Dome, now known as the O2, said: “The new partnership with Paramount is fantastic news for everyone.
"Now the best of Hollywood will be joining the best of British from BBC Studios and ITV Studios, to create amazing and unique experiences for the whole family."
“I am delighted to join The London Resort and to play my part in helping to create a world-class destination to rival all others.
How KMTV reported on the announcement ITV had signed a deal with London Resort
"Central to that strategy is to partner with the best brands from across TV, film, music and entertainment.
"Having Paramount on board is a major step towards realising that ambition.”
Kevin Suh, president of themed entertainment and consumer products for Paramount Pictures said: “The London Resort represents a truly global resort opportunity and we’re delighted to be playing our part in bringing iconic movies to life in truly immersive experiences and rides.
"We’re also delighted, as the most iconic studio in Hollywood, to be sharing our unparalleled catalogue of instantly recognisable films and characters.”
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