The LEGO Group unveils host of new products at LEGO CON

The LEGO Group has launched its 90th anniversary summer celebrations with the virtual and free to attend LEGO CON. Designed specifically for brick-loving families, the two-hour live show, hosted by Vick Hope, Joel McHale and Melvin Odoom, gave LEGO fans a sneak peak into a new range of exciting products, including a host of sets celebrating the world’s biggest movie, sport and gaming franchises.

Among the new products revealed, fans were treated to an exclusive look at the brand-new LEGO Avatar product range celebrating the overall franchise to-date in advance of Avatar: The Way of Water premiering this December. The newly revealed set features the LEGO Avatar Toruk Makto & Tree of Souls that lets fans recreate the moment from the first film when Jake, as Toruk Makto, rallies the Omatikaya Clan to defend not only one of their most sacred sites, the Tree of Souls, but all of Pandora.

Another big reveal saw viewers given an exclusive first look at new LEGO Star Wars sets. LEGO Star Wars The Justifier and LEGO Star Wars AT-TE Walker will offer fans the chance to recreate the epic Star Wars: The Bad Batch stories with the incredible model of bounty hunter Cad Bane’s starship, The Justifier, or power into battle against the Separatist Droid Army with the AT-TE.

Fans of LEGO Marvel, meanwhile, were treated to a first look at a new Doctor Strange set showcasing the Sanctum Sanctorum as featured in a number of films, giving them a chance to open up their very own multiverses. LEGO Minecraft builders were spoilt with two brand new sets to add to their collection: LEGO Minecraft The Abandoned Village and LEGO Minecraft The Skeleton Dungeon.

Lovers of LEGO Super Mario were given a glimpse at the brand-new Character Packs that will be introduced to the LEGO Super Mario universe, with fun characters including Nabbit, a Purple Toad, Hammer Bro, Waddlewing, Toady, Baby Yoshi, Red Yoshi and Blue Shy Guy joining the fun. They were also shown how new and existing characters alike can interact with the LEGO Mario, LEGO Luigi and LEGO Peach Starter Courses.

There was also a preview of a new sporty range of LEGO Brickheadz, allowing fans to become a FC Barcelona player in LEGO BrickHeadz form. Viewers were the first to be shown the very latest LEGO Minifigures collection that will be joining the LEGO range later this year.

To top the many product reveals and sessions, the jam-packed show was also full of opportunities for fans to immerse themselves in live building activities and conversations with experts from around the globe.

Event highlights included a creative masterclass from inside Pixar Animation Studios, given by the director of Disney and Pixar’s Lightyear, Angus MacLane. LEGO Harry Potter fans, meanwhile, were given the chance to see how movie sets are turned into LEGO sets through a magical building tour of the Warner Bros. Studios London – The making of Harry Potter, with Harry Potter film actress Evanna Lynch and LEGO designer Marcos Bessa giving audiences tips and magic tricks for building their very own creations along the way.

LEGO CON 2022 is now available to stream for free in full at www.LEGO.com/LEGOCON or on the LEGO YouTube channel  http://youtube.com/LEGO.

 

 

Rubies expands Wizarding World range with new character costumes and accessories

Rubies have helped to bring the magic of the Wizarding World to life through their range of officially licensed costumes for years, being trusted by fans and customers alike to help re-create the Wizarding World in anyone’s home. Now, the phenomenally successful range of bewitching costumes is expanding, with brand-new character costumes including fan-favourites Hagrid, Luna Lovegood and Professor Dumbledore, and Hogwarts House dress-up and accessories.

Rubies have continued to produce some of the most iconic costumes and Hogwarts uniforms from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts film series, in partnership with Warner Bros. Consumer Products. From Gryffindor and Slytherin Robes to character costumes like Harry Potter and Hermione Granger, the costumes have proved to be some of Rubies’ most successful lines for children and adults alike, especially around seasonal events like World Book Day and Halloween.

Rubies is now welcoming a whole host of brand-new ‘inspired by’ costumes, with tutus featuring enchanting metallic Hogwarts House designs, a Hogwarts cape with shimmering detail, and favourite characters like Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall, Luna Lovegood, Hagrid and Professor Snape. Children will be able to expand their collection of favourite characters from the series, with a wide range of these costumes available both now and in time for Halloween.

Mike O’Connell, Rubies Managing Director, says “As one of our most successful licenses, Harry Potter and the wider Wizarding World has stood the test of time, being popular with generation after generation of children. Our relationship with Warner Bros. Consumer Products has also gone from strength to strength and we are thrilled to be trusted by the global enterprise with their stellar portfolio of characters. Now, we welcome a new collection to one of our top-selling licenses with costumes that have long been sought-after by fans, including the beloved characters Luna Lovegood and Hagrid. We are incredibly excited to see fans’ reactions to these costumes.”

Order your costumes soon from rubiesuk.com.

VeryNeko creates magic with Fantastic Beasts collection

VeryNeko, “the home of all things cute and retro”,  has launched an exclusive clothing collection based on The Wizarding World. The range launches in line with the latest instalment of the Fantastic Beasts franchise, which landed in cinemas at the beginning of April, and joins a host of other Wizarding-world items on the VeryNeko website.

The new range includes a range of oversized tees, a hoodie and a sweatshirt, and four reversible bucket hats that feature the colours and crests of the Hogwarts houses.

The clothing pieces have been inspired by the origins of the Wizarding World, embossed with books such as ‘Jinxes for the Jixed’, ‘Sonnet of a Sorcerer’ and ‘Extreme Incantations’. The hoodie features the crest of the ‘International Confederation of Wizards’ on its chest, whilst the Dumbledore crest is also recognisable on items in the collection.

The collection is available exclusively on VeryNeko with prices starting at £7.99.

WarnerMedia unveils Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore merchandise

WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences will launch a spellbinding collection of products to help fans celebrate the magic of the highly anticipated Warner Bros Pictures film Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, debuting in cinemas in the UK on 8 April and in the USA on 15 April.

As fans get ready for the new film, they can look forward to the following Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore merchandise and experiences:

Publishing:

  • The Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore: Movie Magic book from Insight Edition hits stores and online marketplaces on April 15. Available on Amazon.com for pre-order.

Fashion:

  • LeSportSac will launch a summer collection on 18 April featuring various creatures from the Fantastic Beasts movies and offering a magical assortment of bags and unique items.
  • Hot Topic FB3 has unveiled an exclusive fashion collection inspired by the magic and mischief of Fantastic Beasts, available now in select Hot Topic stores nationwide and at hottopic.com.
  • EB Games/Zing Pop Culture launched a collection in Australia on 5 April offering women’s and men’s apparel, accessories, stationery and home products, including a Niffler T-shirt and matching backpack and Niffler hooded blanket.

Toy:

  • Build-A-Bear introduces its new Fantastic Beasts collection in April, allowing fans to make Nifflers in all colours and sizes, a plush of Newt’s beloved Bowtruckle, and more. The new collection will be available in stores and online.
  • Running Press will release a collectible figure of Niffler, mounted on a base, which plays its mischievous sound at the push of a button. The Niffler collectible is available for pre-order now on Amazon.
  • Funko will be releasing later this year a range of Pop! vinyl figures based on the fan-favourite characters, brought to life in Funko’s iconic signature style.

Art:

  • Award-winning design studio MinaLima recently debuted new graphic art prints celebrating the latest film in the Fantastic Beast series in Soho, London.  The curated collection of Graphic Art of Fantastic Beasts is on display and available for sale now at House of MinaLima in London and will be unveiled in House of MinaLima New York, House of MinaLima Osaka and House of MinaLima Paju on Friday, 8 April.

Themed Entertainment:

  • Harry Potter: The Exhibition. The all-new behind-the-scenes exhibition celebrates the iconic moments, characters, settings, and beasts as seen in the films and stories of Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts, and the expanded Wizarding World, including Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Visitors can get an up-close look at everything from original costumes to authentic props as they embark on a journey through magical environments using  immersive design and technology. The exhibition is currently at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.
  • Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature will be coming to the Royal Ontario Museum summer 2022. This new exhibition explores the links between the magical creatures of the Wizarding World and the remarkable animals in our natural world, encouraging a greater connection to our planet.

“The Wizarding World franchise is full of rich detail, beautiful settings and fascinating creatures and we have collaborated with top partners globally to curate a Fantastic Beasts programme that will allow fans of all ages to engage with their favorite on screen characters in their everyday lives,” says Pam Lifford, President, WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences.

To learn more about the upcoming film, visit www.fantasticbeasts.com.

WarnerMedia unveils Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore merchandise

WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences will launch a spellbinding collection of products to help fans celebrate the magic of the highly anticipated Warner Bros Pictures film Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, debuting in cinemas in the UK on 8 April and in the USA on 15 April.

As fans get ready for the new film, they can look forward to the following Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore merchandise and experiences:

Publishing:

  • The Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore: Movie Magic book from Insight Edition hits stores and online marketplaces on April 15. Available on Amazon.com for pre-order.

Fashion:

  • LeSportSac will launch a summer collection on 18 April featuring various creatures from the Fantastic Beasts movies and offering a magical assortment of bags and unique items.
  • Hot Topic FB3 has unveiled an exclusive fashion collection inspired by the magic and mischief of Fantastic Beasts, available now in select Hot Topic stores nationwide and at hottopic.com.
  • EB Games/Zing Pop Culture launched a collection in Australia on 5 April offering women’s and men’s apparel, accessories, stationery and home products, including a Niffler T-shirt and matching backpack and Niffler hooded blanket.

Toy:

  • Build-A-Bear introduces its new Fantastic Beasts collection in April, allowing fans to make Nifflers in all colours and sizes, a plush of Newt’s beloved Bowtruckle, and more. The new collection will be available in stores and online.
  • Running Press will release a collectible figure of Niffler, mounted on a base, which plays its mischievous sound at the push of a button. The Niffler collectible is available for pre-order now on Amazon.
  • Funko will be releasing later this year a range of Pop! vinyl figures based on the fan-favourite characters, brought to life in Funko’s iconic signature style.

Art:

  • Award-winning design studio MinaLima recently debuted new graphic art prints celebrating the latest film in the Fantastic Beast series in Soho, London.  The curated collection of Graphic Art of Fantastic Beasts is on display and available for sale now at House of MinaLima in London and will be unveiled in House of MinaLima New York, House of MinaLima Osaka and House of MinaLima Paju on Friday, 8 April.

Themed Entertainment:

  • Harry Potter: The Exhibition. The all-new behind-the-scenes exhibition celebrates the iconic moments, characters, settings, and beasts as seen in the films and stories of Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts, and the expanded Wizarding World, including Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Visitors can get an up-close look at everything from original costumes to authentic props as they embark on a journey through magical environments using  immersive design and technology. The exhibition is currently at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.
  • Fantastic Beasts: The Wonder of Nature will be coming to the Royal Ontario Museum summer 2022. This new exhibition explores the links between the magical creatures of the Wizarding World and the remarkable animals in our natural world, encouraging a greater connection to our planet.

“The Wizarding World franchise is full of rich detail, beautiful settings and fascinating creatures and we have collaborated with top partners globally to curate a Fantastic Beasts programme that will allow fans of all ages to engage with their favorite on screen characters in their everyday lives,” says Pam Lifford, President, WarnerMedia Global Brands and Experiences.

To learn more about the upcoming film, visit www.fantasticbeasts.com.

Tom Felton fronts campaign for CASETiFY’s Wizarding World-inspired collection

CASETiFY has announced a special partnership with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, revealing a collection inspired by the beloved Wizarding World. The launch is supported by a marketing campaign starring Tom Felton, who played the infamous Draco Malfoy in the films.

Fans all over the world can sign up now for priority access to shop the collection on launch day, March 31, by visiting casetify.com.

Available online and in CASETiFY stores, the new protective phone cases are inspired by iconic early Hogwarts experiences, including Harry’s first interaction with the Mirror of Erised (available exclusively on the CASETiFY Co-Lab app), his very first broomstick, and his epic battle with the Basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets. Fans can discover their house with the new Leather Case lineup, featuring the house colours and crests of Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin.

The partnership will also introduce CASETiFY’s first Lenticular Case – engineered to capture the magical qualities of the wizarding world through “moving photos.” When tilted from side to side, the new Lenticular Case will reveal the Marauder’s Map to its owner.

Designs will be available on a range of CASETiFY’s signature styles, with custom options made for the ultra-durable Impact Case series, Reflective-Plate Material Cases, Compostable Cases, and the Impact Crush series from the sustainable Re/CASETiFY Collection, retailing for $40 USD and up.

Phone cases are compatible with a range of iPhone device sizes, including the newest iPhone 13 series, as well as select Samsung models.

“The Harry Potter series holds a special place in so many of our hearts, and we’re excited to bring the magic to our community’s hands with a uniquely creative collection of high-quality accessories,” says CASETiFY CEO and Co-founder, Wes Ng. “This collection will spark memories of all your favorite Harry Potter adventures with designs that are nothing short of magical.”

To complement the exclusive phone case collection, fans can shop a full accessory lineup with matching gear for all their devices, including Apple Watches, AirPods and AirPods Pro.

Modelled after the fastest and smallest ball in the game of Quidditch, customers can enjoy a highly designed 3D Golden Snitch Airpods Case, complete with the inscription “I Open At The Close.”

To dress every student’s tech in full house colours, fans can also shop a limited-edition collection of classic AirPods cases and Apple Watch bands, in addition to the new Beaded Phone Strap, a trendy hands-free accessory decorated with house colours and mascot charms.

Accessories in the collection are available in limited quantities and retail for $35 USD and up.

To learn more about the collection and all CASETiFY Co-Lab launches, visit online and download the new CASETiFY Co-Lab app (available now in the App Store).

For updates on all things CASETiFY, follow along on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter.

Cityneon to deliver DC and Wizarding World immersive art experiences in 2023

Cityneon Holdings has announced a partnership with Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment to produce two new, unique global touring themed art experiences inspired by DC and the Wizarding World, slated to launch in 2023.

Audiences around the globe will be able to engage in an all-new way with their favourite Super Heroes and the much-loved Wizarding World, through immersive themed art environments. Both experiences will fuse cutting-edge media, sound and technology together to create a truly sensorial visitor experience.

Ron Tan, Executive Chairman & Group CEO of Cityneon, says: “This strategic relationship is a testament to our determination to scale greater heights in the arena of IP experiences. With Cityneon’s strong track record of delivering large-scale and innovative experiences globally, I am confident that the DC and Wizarding World experiences will be truly unique and immersive experiences that fans of all ages will enjoy.”

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Cityneon on these two new cutting-edge immersive themed art experiences,” adds Peter van Roden, SVP Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment. “Each of the new experiences will help us further continue to reach our DC and Wizarding World fans with fresh, innovative and immersive experiences where guests can interact with the franchises like never before.”

Additional details will be announced at a later date.

Warner Bros. to launch Wizarding World’s ‘most comprehensive touring exhibition ever’ next year

Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment has teamed up with Imagine Exhibitions and EMC Presents to cook up the Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s ‘most comprehensive touring exhibition ever presented.’

Called Harry Potter: The Exhibition, the touring event will kick off at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia in early 2022 before making its way around the world, stopping off in Latin America, the Asia-Pacific Region, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

The new behind-the-scenes exhibition will use the latest innovations in immersive design and technology to celebrate the films and stories of Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts, and the expanded Wizarding World, including harry Potter and the Cursed Child, through crafted environments that honour the moments, characters, settings, and beasts seen in the films and stories.

Visitors will get an up-close look at authentic props and original costumes from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films and have the opportunity to engage with innovative and magical environments and installations in ways never before experienced in a touring exhibition.

“This exhibition will be unlike any other Wizarding World touring exhibition. The inclusion of technology, attention to detail and integration of magical touches created by our partners at Imagine Exhibitions is truly unique,” said Peter van Roden, Senior Vice President of Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment.

“We are elated to be launching the world tour at the Franklin Institute and for fans to be able to have another way to experience the Wizarding World.”

Tom Zaller, CEO of Imagine Exhibitions, added: “We are very excited to be launching the world tour of the all-new Harry Potter: The Exhibition in Philadelphia at The Franklin Institute in early 2022. The Franklin Institute is a trusted partner of ours, a national leader for world-renowned exhibitions, a great cultural driver for Philadelphia, and a perfect location for fans to experience our groundbreaking new exhibition.”

Larry Dubinski, president and CEO of The Franklin Institute, said: “The Wizarding World is a sweeping phenomenon that crosses generations and delivers astonishing global appeal.

“We are thrilled that Harry Potter: The Exhibition will make its world tour debut in 2022 at The Franklin Institute, putting Philadelphia in the national spotlight, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors to the region and providing months of sustainable tourism revenue.”

The world’s only Harry Potter flagship store opens its doors in New York

The doors to the new flagship Harry Potter store in New York have finally been opened to the public, greeting fans with a 220-pound model of Fawkes the Phoenix, and a host of magical creatures and hand-made props.

Billed as an ‘immersive retail experience’ for the Harry Potter global fan base, the Harry Potter New York store finally opened its doors to the public last week, wowing them with themed retail zones, including an area inspired by the Dark Arts, complete with Voldemort’s horcux, Nagini, bursting through the ceiling.

The world’s only Harry Potter flagship store boasts 15 of these themed areas to explore, playing host to thousands of products. Fans found themselves immersed in areas inspired by Honeydukes to find Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans and Chocolate Frogs, before stopping under the Dirigible Plum tree to find their favourite creature soft toy.

Customers were even invited to step into Hagrid’s boots to see how they measure up and duel other customers at the store’s interactive wand table.

”We’re delighted to be welcoming fans to Harry Potter New York for a completely new shopping experience,” said Sarah Roots, EVP Warner Bros. Worldwide Tours and Retail. “Not only will visitors find the largest range of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts products under one roof, they will also get to discover up-close some of the hand-crafted props that were seen in the films, use our unique photo opportunities and experience the incredible theming throughout the store.”

Harry Potter New York has a virtual queueing system in place. When customers visit the store, they will scan a QR code to join a virtual queue and return when notified. Harry Potter New York is open from 10am to 9pm Monday to Saturday and 11am to 7pm on Sundays.

Harry Potter weaves magic across ecommerce platform Spread Group as sales leap 70 per cent

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has been weaving its magic on the ecommerce platform Spread Group, helping drive UK licensing sales to a 70 per cent leap since the group extended its partnership with Warner Bros in December last year.

Increased demand for items – in particular the women’s hoodies range – themed around the Harry Potter franchise has fuelled a sales surge across the platform, with UK consumers ‘snapping up’ Hogwarts themed apparel. At the same time, another of Warner Bros’ leading franchises, Friends, has been subject to similar demand.

Annina Vettermann, licensing success manager at Spread Group, said: “We have been very surprised and pleased by the huge demand for women’s hoodies for both of these Warner Bros. brands. We think this is a gap in the market and fans have been happy to find merch they want to wear at Spread Group.”

Spread Group’s bestselling Harry Potter design is a gold Hogwarts coat of arms. This is closely followed by individual House hoodies. The most popular is Harry’s own Gryffindor (accounting for 40 per cent of sales). Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw are vying for second place (22 per cent and 21 per cent respectively) and those ambitious Slytherins are not far behind either, on 17 per cent.

Meanwhile, the revival of 90s TV hit Friends has seen a rise in demand for its classic brand and images of the Central Perk gang. At Spread Group, sales of tote bags, hoodies and t-shirts have risen for both men and women.

Vettermann added: “2020 has been a difficult year for everyone, but we were delighted to see UK consumers being creative and taking advantage of these newly licensed designs. The strategic partnership has created exceptional results for the Spread Group and Warner Bros. partnership.”

Spread Group currently offers 14 Warner Bros. licenses, including Batman, Wonder Woman, Tom & Jerry, Looney Tunes and Superman, in a wide range of products, colours and designs.

The Spread Group side of the partnership covers design, marketing and production, a presence on the Spreadshirt marketplace, Amazon and eBay. This licensing deal made Warner Bros. one of Spread Group’s largest partners. Its consumers can now access over 1,500 Warner designs on the Spreadshirt marketplaces in the UK, USA, Canada and Australia as well as over 1,000 item positions on Amazon.com.