By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Talk about a rough week at the office. Toy giant Hasbro says it will no longer produce any toys featuring former Mandalorian star Gina Carano, who plays the part of the popular character Cara Dune. Carano was fired from her role in the hit Disney+ series after posting a series of controversial social media messages, she was dropped by her … [Read more...] about Hasbro Not Toying Around With Gina Carano
Toys and Games
Thinker-Tinker To Launch Trolls Music Stars
Thinker-Tinker, Inc., an innovative kid’s tech startup, has entered into a potentially lucrative deal with Dreamworks Animation to produce a line of interactive, collectible plush toys inspired by the studio's popular Trolls franchise. The young toy company is now launching Trolls Music Stars, which are toys that interact with a companion mobile app, on the crowdfunding … [Read more...] about Thinker-Tinker To Launch Trolls Music Stars
A Tale of Two Toymakers Influences Their Content Goals
Hasbro Restructuring Eone, Mattel Creating More Content By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The toy industry enjoyed a surprisingly strong year in 2020, despite and partly because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but that doesn't mean toymakers haven't faced serious challenges in their operations. Despite the strong year for toy sales overall, Hasbro has seen a drop in their share … [Read more...] about A Tale of Two Toymakers Influences Their Content Goals
Disney/Pixar Release Nascar Products for #CarsWeek
Disney and Pixar’s Cars Week is back, leading up to this year’s Daytona 500 on Feb. 14, with all new products and activations inspired by popular real-life NASCAR drivers and iconic Disney and Pixar’s Cars characters. Disney says its classic Cars characters like Lightning McQueen, Jackson Storm, Mater, Luigi and Guido have been "NASCAR-ified," and some of the most notable … [Read more...] about Disney/Pixar Release Nascar Products for #CarsWeek
Jazwares Tag Teams With UFC For New Collectibles Line
Global toy company Jazwares, and UFC, the world's premier mixed martial arts organization, are teaming up again to bring the world of UFC and mixed martial arts a new line of UFC action figures and role play collectibles. The new line of collectibles is already available for preorder now from Ringside Collectibles. The new wave of collectible figures includes Conor McGregor, … [Read more...] about Jazwares Tag Teams With UFC For New Collectibles Line
LEGO Deal With SEGA Results in ‘Super Sonic’ Collection
Video gaming's most iconic speedster is now coming to a box of LEGO near you, as LEGO Ideas announced it is releasing a line of products for Sonic the Hedgehog. Even more interesting, the partnership is happening because of a concept design submitted by a 24-year-old LEGO superfan in the UK, Viv Grannel. LEGO says Grannel, also a passionate Sonic fan, created her design as a … [Read more...] about LEGO Deal With SEGA Results in ‘Super Sonic’ Collection
Mattel Developing ‘Heist’ Movie Based on Uno Game
Toy giant Mattel has been putting a lot of oomph behind its popular UNO game for its 50th Anniversary, and is topping off the program with a live action motion picture. Mattel Films will produce the project alongside Grammy-nominated rapper Lil Yachty. In addition, Quality Control’s Kevin “Coach K” Lee, Pierre “P” Thomas and Brian Sher will produce for Quality Films. Marcy … [Read more...] about Mattel Developing ‘Heist’ Movie Based on Uno Game
Former Mattel Exec Helena Perheentupa Joins Rapidly Expanding ZAG Team
The ZAG Company continues the expansion of its senior executive team with the appointment this week of licensing veteran Helena Perheentupa to the newly created role of vice president of licensing for Central, Eastern, Northern Europe and Russia. Perheentupa formerly worked with Mattel's operation in Germany as head of licensing, overseeing brands such as Hot Wheels, Barbie, … [Read more...] about Former Mattel Exec Helena Perheentupa Joins Rapidly Expanding ZAG Team
Mattel Takes a Swing at a Whac-A-Mole Game Show
Toy giant Mattel is working with America's Got Talent producer Fremantle to develop a frantic new game show based on the Whac-A-Mole game it acquired in 2009. Mattel and Fremantle say the Whac-A-Mole game show will be a wild, physically challenging elimination competition in which opposing teams will use their skill, strength and endurance to become the Whac-A-Mole champion. … [Read more...] about Mattel Takes a Swing at a Whac-A-Mole Game Show
Moonbug Hires Redibra to Bring Products To Brazil
Children's programmer Moonbug has appointed Redibra as its licensing agent in Brazil, as the company works on development of new consumer products for its popular shows, like Blippi or CoComelon. “At Moonbug, we’re committed to developing premium, enriching content that parents and children can enjoy together, and a key part of this mission is ensuring our IP is accessible … [Read more...] about Moonbug Hires Redibra to Bring Products To Brazil