Ready for some news out of left field? Sony Pictures is planning on building a

Hollywood-themed family destination that is to include a mini indoor amusement park

The park itself will tap into

Sony’s movie characters and themes such as Smurfs and Men in Black.

Notice Spider-Man isn’t on that list and that’s because Sony only owns the movie license to the Marvel character. Currently, the place is being called the Mall of Entertainment and is

geared toward families who may want a getaway but can’t afford to visit Disneyland, Universal Studios or other U.S. attractions.

Not sure families will be clamoring to vacation in Albertville, Minnesota where this thing is going to be built but what do I know? Perhaps Sony might want to look at their current cash cow, PlayStation, and tap into that a bit. Think about rides/VR experiences based on Uncharted, God of War, and even Gran Turismo. Throw that into a park and you might have something that will draw crowds. It’s worth noting that the above image has the familiar PlayStation buttons with the words PlayStation VR though information on the project currently contains no mention of PS VR – or PlayStation, for that matter.

More details on the Mall of Entertainment after the jump.

It also will include a Marriott hotel and a large indoor water park. The project, estimated to cost $115 million and create 2,000 jobs in Minnesota, has initial support from elected officials, including Albertville Mayor Jillian Hendrickson and Gov. Mark Dayton.

In addition to the Sony Pictures center that will feature movie-making and game-based activities, there could be a National Geographic-branded center called “Ultimate Explorer.” It is described on the Mall of Entertainment’s website as “a special place where parents and children go to spend time together while they play, jump, climb, explore and learn about our world through the incredible and often breathtaking experiences National Geographic is known for.

Thanks to our anonymous tipster!

Discuss:

Would you visit the Mall of Entertainment?

[Via StarTribute]