WildBrain CPLG has secured a wave of cross-category licensees in Europe for a trio of Sony Pictures hit TV series; The Boys, Cobra Kai and Outlander.
The Boys is a superhero series with a twist, in which the ‘supers’ are more villainous than heroic.
Wildbrain has secured licensing deals in the UK for the popular Amazon show with the following parties: Forbidden Planet, for a t-shirt and gifting line; The Hut Group, for apparel and accessories; Fashion UK, for an apparel and accessories range; and Pyramid International for posters and accessories. From Germany, Spreadshirt is on board for print-on-demand apparel, and EMP.com for an apparel range available across Europe. Additionally, Cotton Division is developing apparel for the French market; and in Spain, Stor SL is creating homewares and Grupo Erik has signed for calendars, posters and gifts.
An Amazon Prime Video original series, The Boys is based on the comic book of the same name by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson. The series follows the team of vigilantes as they combat superheroes who abuse their power and abilities.
Cobra Kai is a comedy series on Netflix which gained critical acclaim and a wide audience. The martial arts comedy-drama was inspired by the Karate Kid film franchise, but is much darker in tone.
WildBrain CPLG has scored deals in the UK with: Pyramid International, for accessories; Bioworld International, for apparel and accessories; The Hut Group, for apparel and accessories; and Ecell Global, for phone accessories. Created by Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg, Cobra Kai is set over 30 years after the original Karate Kid film and follows the arch-rivalry between Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence as he reopens the Cobra Kai karate dojo. The third season launched on Netflix in January 2021.
In the UK, WildBrain CPLG has also secured deals for the hit romantic time-travel drama Outlander, which include: Aurora of Orkney, for a jewellery line; and Ecell Global for phone accessories. For the Germany, Austria and Switzerland markets, Spreadshirt, EMP.com and Nastrovje P. GmhH & Co.KG are on board for apparel collections.
Outlander is based on the bestselling series of novels by Diana Gabaldon, and follows the story of a time-travelling 20th century doctor, Claire Fraser, and her 18th century Scottish Highlander husband Jamie Fraser. The early seasons are filmed in Scotland and cover the events leading up to the Battle of Culloden, in which the British decisively defeated Scottish rebels, and then shifts to the Americas as survivors flee British troops.
John Taylor, VP Northern Europe and Managing Director UK and France at WildBrain CPLG, said the three series are a natural for licensing agreements, due to strong stories and imagery.
“Sony Pictures Consumer Products has a rich and compelling TV portfolio, which offers great entertainment for every audience,” Taylor said. “From the grittiness and thrilling twists of The Boys, to the nostalgia and humor of Cobra Kai, and Outlander’s gripping storylines, these series are hits that have captured the imaginations of audiences internationally. We look forward to bringing fans across Europe diverse and engaging merchandise selections inspired by this fantastic trio of shows.”
WildBrain CPLG represents Sony Pictures’ extensive theatrical film and TV catalogue across EMEA, which also includes much-loved blockbuster entertainment franchises such as Ghostbusters and Jumanji; hit TV series Breaking Bad and spin-off prequel Better Call Saul; and popular Columbia Pictures’ back-catalogue classics including The Karate Kid and Poetic Justice.