The hugely popular Talking Tom franchise is getting a major update this year, as brand owner Outfit7 launches a new CP licensing program, a 3D animated series, and a new Talking Tom interactive app.
It’s hard to believe, given the global success of the Talking Tom and Friends videos, but the brand actually started as what now seems like a simple iPhone app. That app allowed users to speak to Tom on their mobile device, and he’d repeat the phrase in his own hilarious way.
Since then, Talking Tom & Friends have enjoyed a staggering 79 billion views, and the character is a global phenomenon.
Outfit7 and its North American global licensing partner, Epic Story Media, this week announced new deals for the award-winning family entertainment brand, Talking Tom & Friends. Fans can look forward to a new branded Talking Tom interactive product, as well as a range of consumer products at retailers across the U.S.
Most importantly, Epic and Outfit7 are developing a CGI animated series of Talking Tom for global distribution.
The Talking Tom Heroes: Suddenly Super series is a new iteration of Outfit7’s successful Talking Tom Heroes brand, which already has a massive and dedicated global fanbase. The series will see the popular characters transform into superheroes who must unlock their superpower potential to save the day, all while keeping their day jobs!
“Talking Tom Heroes: Suddenly Super is an exciting new development for Outfit7’s groundbreaking entertainment brand, which already has 79 billion global views of its video content,” said Ken Faier, president and founder of Epic Story Media. “We’re thrilled to be able to work with Outfit7 and take a brand with such incredible global reach to new heights.”
The series is just one of three deals set to deliver more Talking Tom & Friends to its fans worldwide. Epic Story Media and Outfit7 have partnered with Lukis Global Corp, a multi-industry conglomerate and private label manufacturer, to launch a range of new Talking Tom & Friends products at U.S. retailers in the food, apparel, jewellery, and health & beauty categories.
This fall will see the launch of the GameBud Talking Tom, a first-of-its-kind, game-connected, interactive product. The Talking Tom GameBud, which will be released for presale in Q4 this year, is the first product to launch from direct-to-fan premium play company, HUGE! Play.
“We’re incredibly excited to introduce the world to GameBud, an innovative 3D interactive character that will live-connect to your favorite Talking Tom games, while also acting as your very own in-home streamer!,” said HUGE! Play co-CEOs Kevin Mowrer and Adrian Roche in a statement. “It’s an honor to partner with Outfit7 and Epic Story Media on this exciting new milestone and industry first!”