Yesterday, it was announced that Hasbro would lost the Jurassic World toy license at the end of 2017. There was immediately plenty of speculation by the fans as to which toy company would get the license. However, Mattel announced this morning in its press release, that it had been awarded the Jurassic World toy License:
Building on an ever-expanding list of strategic collaborations with many of the world's best-known entertainment companies, Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) today announced that it has been awarded worldwide master toy licensee for Jurassic World beginning in July 2017. Under the terms of the deal, Mattel will design, produce and bring to market a wide variety of toys and consumer products inspired by the franchise and its multiple feature films, including the highly-anticipated next film, set for release in 2018.
"We are honored that NBCUniversal chose Mattel to help bring the Jurassic World brand to life, and we look forward to developing multiple new lines of innovative, engaging toys and products," said Chris Sinclair, Mattel's Chairman and CEO. "Spanning three decades of sustained worldwide popularity, few entertainment properties have so successfully captured the collective imagination of millions of fans around the world, and we are delighted to be a part of this truly evergreen franchise."
Mattel's license rights include a wide variety of products, including (but not limited to) action figures, play-sets, vehicles, games, plush, role-play, preschool, and activity toys. Mattel and NBCUniversal will begin to design and develop new lines immediately, with initial products hitting shelves in early 2018.
"We are looking forward to collaborating with Mattel and broadening Jurassic World products worldwide. The appetite for the franchise globally is stronger than ever with consumers wanting more. Mattel's global support, creativity and category approach to expand our franchise makes them the best choice to partner with for this brand, bringing innovation, technology and a host of new ways to play," said Vince Klaseus, President, NBCUniversal Brand Development. "Jurassic World is more than awe-inspiring blockbuster films, it's a brand that has been reaching consumers for more than twenty years on everything from video games, toys and apparel, to theme park attractions and live events. Our focus for the franchise is to continue to collaborate with best-in-class partners as we build and expand this iconic property into a mega-brand across our Universal platforms."
This is extremely exciting news as it means that Mattel will be in charge of handling the toys for the Jurassic World sequel. In addition, it also means that we will continue to get multiple toy lines under Mattel. The license rights are broad and allow Mattel to design a broad range of toys under the Jurassic World license.
Mattel certainly seems enthusiastic about having the license rights. In addition, they believe that public demand for Jurassic World merchandise is stronger then ever. It is a possibility that this optimism may mean that Mattel may be willing to allow its license to be shared to other partners such as Funko, in ways that were not allowed under Universal's contract with Hasbro. It remains to be seen how Mattel will transform the Jurassic World property, but the fact that the announcement of a new license manager was made quickly is an extremely good sign.
Jurassic World 2 will be released on June 22, 2018. The film has not yet been given an official title. Bryce Dallas Howard and Chris Pratt will return to play Claire Dearing and Owen Grady in the film. The movie will be directed by Juan Antonio Bayona, who has directed 'The Impossible.
Source:Mattel
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