Merlin Entertainments has today announced a major new deal to create the world’s first Angry Birds 4D theme park experience.

The creative partnership with developer of the mobile app phenomenon, Finnish Rovio Entertainment, will see a 4,000sq m (43,000sq ft) fully-themed Angry Birds area open at the UK’s Thorpe Park in May 2014.

Work is already underway on the new attraction, which will be centred around the 4D experience and is set to include an exclusive 10-minute Angry Birds animated film, developed jointly by Rovio and top 4D animators 3DBA.

Second only to Disney as the world’s largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin will use its experience operating Legoland - as well as the soon to be opened CBeebies Land at Alton Towers - to harness the potential of the tie-up with the lucrative IP.

With over two billion downloads of its original phone app, nine spin-off games and a 2016 feature film in the pipeline, Angry Birds is a franchise with huge potential for integration.

Merlin spokesperson Sally Ann Wilkinson told Attractions Management that although this is the first major announcement for the partnership, discussions are underway over potential future collaborations.

“It’s essential for us that we find partners with the right fit for our own brand,” she said. “With their company outlooks and similar target audiences, Thorpe Park and Angry Birds are definitely a good match for Merlin.”

The Merlin Magic Making creative team are developing the infrastructure and working closely with Rovio to ensure the new attractions - set to include both new and repurposed rides plus themed dodgems - capture the fun and humour of the Angry Birds games.

Mark Fisher, Chief Development Officer for Merlin Entertainments, said: “We see this (Rovio tie-up) as a long-term strategic partnership with great benefits to both parties. Thorpe Park Resort is the ideal environment for Angry Birds 4D and the theme park debut.”