JAKKS Pacific announces new Sonic the Hedgehog 2 toys and costumes

JAKKS Pacific and Disguise have announced a new line of toys and costumes launching in spring 2022 in celebration of Paramount Pictures’ feature film, Sonic the Hedgehog 2.

The new line of merchandise from JAKKS is set to include action figures, playsets, vehicles, plush toys and other collectibles just in time for the film’s international release.

Disguise, the costume division of JAKKS Pacific, will also be designing and manufacturing costumes and accessories inspired by characters from Sonic the Hedgehog 2, which will be available to fans this autumn.

“JAKKS Pacific is proud to celebrate the release of the new feature film Sonic the Hedgehog 2 with an all-new line of memorabilia commemorating the Blue Blur’s next great adventure,” says Craig Drobis, Senior Vice President of Marketing at JAKKS Pacific, Inc. “With new waves of collectible action figures, cool new playsets, multiple sizes of plush toys, and an all-new radio-controlled Sonic Speed RC, there is something for every Sonic fan and collector.”

“We’ve seen such a great response from fans to the Sonic the Hedgehog products created by JAKKS Pacific, and we’re thrilled to continue working with them to celebrate Sonic the Hedgehog 2,” adds Alex Gomez, Director of Licensing & Partnerships for Sonic the Hedgehog. “We hope that fans of the Blue Blur will see the collection as a testament of our appreciation and create memorable Sonic experiences with the products for years to come.”

Through the collaboration, Sonic and JAKKS will launch the following new merchandise items:

  • Figurines – An all-new line of 4-inch figures including Dr. Robotnik, Sonic, Tails and Knuckles will be available at retail. Ages 3+
  • Plush Toys – The 9-inch plush assortment is based on fan favourite characters from the movie, Sonic, Tails and Knuckles, and will be available on shelves and online this spring. Additionally, a new 13-inch Sonic Plush will also be available exclusively at Target this spring.
  • Sonic Speed RC Set – The new Sonic Speed RC lets fans recreate the action from Sonic the Hedgehog 2. This set will be available at retail and includes an iconic ring-shaped controller for forward motion, turns and spinning action. The RC lights up when you select Turbo mode for that extra boost. The 6-inch scale articulated Sonic figure is removable. Ages 4+
  • Costumes and Accessories – Disguise has developed a range of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 costumes and accessories in Toddler, Child and Adult sizes, a dress version of Sonic and a Child accessory kit. All styles are coming to retail in stores and online this autumn.
    • Toddler – The Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Toddler includes a super soft jumpsuit with white sleeve cuff detailing, a soft headpiece with Sonic’s signature quills and an attached clear vinyl visor that can be worn up or down.
    • Basic Costume – Sonic Basic is a comfy hooded jumpsuit costume featuring a hood with the stiff felt ears and classic Sonic quills.
    • Classic Costumes – Sonic and his friend Tails both come in a Classic style version. Both costumes have a comfy hooded jumpsuit of velvet minky material with dimensional ears, embroidered eyes and quills for Sonic and a hair tuft for Tails.
    • Sonic Dress Costume – Disguise has also created a dress version of Sonic. This super soft dress with lightning detailing on the skirt comes with a pair of glovettes and a cute headband with Sonic’s signature quills and ears.
    • Sonic Deluxe Costume – This super soft jumpsuit with a detachable tail featuring a detailed Sonic headpiece with attached ears and inflatable quills to give this costume a true movie feel. Also includes a pair of Sonic gloves.
    • Sonic Accessory Kit for Children – The accessory kit comes with a headpiece with ears, inflatable quills, gloves and a pair of red foam shoe covers with lightning bolts.
    • Sonic Adult Unisex Jumpsuit – An extremely soft velvet minky hooded jumpsuit with Sonic’s signature quills and dimensional ears.
    • Hooded Jumpsuits – Disguise will also launch two Fancy Dress styles in the UK and US for Tails and Sonic. These comfy hooded jumpsuits feature stiff felt ears and classic Sonic quills. Stitched tails at the back give the Tails costume an authentic look.

 

Disguise announces Squid Game costume and accessory launch

Disguise, the costume division of JAKKS Pacific, is currently designing and developing costumes and masks based on Netflix’s hit series Squid Game for launch in North America and APAC in autumn 2022.

Disguise will design, market, manufacture and distribute a range of costumes and costume accessories featuring characters from the show. These styles will include a red Triangle Guard jumpsuit and teal “Player 456” Track Suit as well as a Squid Games Front Man mask and masks for Square and Triangle Supervisors.

Korean series Squid Game became a fast favourite on Netflix this year with over 142M views in just 4 weeks, becoming their most watched show to date.

Squid Game is a perfect addition to our vast array of costumes and offerings that cater to fans demanding a higher quality and a more detailed design that fully embodies the characters,” says Tara Hefter, EVP and GM of Disguise, Inc. “The show sets the stage for the perfect Halloween group dress-up opportunity and we anticipate the sell-in for this line to be incredible.”

All Squid Game costumes and accessories will be widely available at retailers in North America and APAC in store and online in 2022.

Disguise signs multiyear deal for Disney costume rights in EMEA

WildBrain appoints JAKKS Pacific as master global toy partner for Chip & Potato

WildBrain has appointed JAKKS Pacific, the leading toy and consumer products manufacturer, as master global toy partner for its hit animated preschool brand, Chip & Potato. Additionally, Netflix has picked up Season 3 of Chip & Potato (20 x 11’) plus three seasonal specials (3 x 22’). An original series produced by WildBrain and Darrall Macqueen, Chip & Potato (S1 and S2: 20 x 22’) first launched on Netflix in 2019 and is also available on Netflix Junior’s YouTube channel.

The Master Toy partnership with JAKKS Pacific will launch the brand from the screen to the toy shelf, as JAKKS Pacific develops a range across multiple toy categories, including plush, figures, playsets, and role play for North America, the UK and Australia. Launch for the range is scheduled from autumn 2022. The deal with JAKKS Pacific was brokered by WildBrain’s consumer products licensing agency, WildBrain CPLG.

Michael Riley, Chief Brands Officer at WildBrain, said: “Chip & Potato is a terrific example of WildBrain’s brand capabilities extending from development and production, through global distribution, to consumer products licensing. Chip & Potato has captured the hearts of kids and families around the world, and it’s been a delight to work with Netflix and Darrall Macqueen to deliver this original property to a huge global audience. We look forward now to extending that enjoyment off screen for kids with new toys from JAKKS Pacific.”

Virginia Reneau, SVP of Global Licensing at JAKKS Pacific, Inc, added: “Preschool products and toys is a priority category at JAKKS and Chip & Potato is the perfect fit for our growing line. We look forward to working with WildBrain to bring Chip, Potato and the rest of their friends to the toy aisle.”

Produced at WildBrain’s Vancouver animation studio, Chip & Potato follows Chip, a five-year-old pug whose life is about to change. She’s going it alone at kindergarten, play dates and sleepovers, and facing big life challenges without grown-ups. There to help and comfort Chip whenever she needs it is her best friend Potato: a little “toy” who she snuggles in her pocket. However, Potato is actually a real, living mouse who must be kept a secret.

 

Disguise signs multiyear deal for Disney costume rights in EMEA

Leading global costume company Disguise, a division of toy and consumer products manufacturer JAKKS Pacific, today announced a multi-year licensing agreement for a wide range of Disney portfolio brands in Europe, the Middle East and Africa for dress-up, costumes and costume accessories, commencing in spring 2022.

After being a North America costume partner for over 30 years, this is the first time that Disguise has held Disney costume rights in EMEA.

Disguise is poised to have a large and robust offering with its portfolio of Disney brand costumes, with many different characters, sizes and offerings for all age ranges. This expanded line will also leverage JAKKS’ expertise in everyday dress-up and its toy line of feature costumes and accessories, including singing and light-up dresses, dress-up trunks and toyetic roleplay accessories.

Placement in EMEA will allow Disguise to celebrate a range of key international holidays such as Book Week, Carnival, Purim, Halloween, Diwali, Eid-Al-Adha and Christmas. Adding to the mix is Disguise’s new innovation SKUs that include adaptive costumes and wheelchair wraps.

“We are well positioned to expand our Disney offering across EMEA and build the business in Europe like it has never been done before. Our insight and experience will enable us to maximise the category from every perspective,” says Tara Hefter, President and GM of Disguise. “Disney has an endless catalogue of magical and inspirational characters and properties, creating endless possibilities to continue to innovate and deliver amazing product year after year. We are so pleased that Disney EMEA has recognised our expertise and 30-plus year history with Disney costumes in the US.”

In anticipation, Disguise is ramping up a team of costume experts to expand on JAKKS’ already existing EMEA team and footprint. These positions include sales, design, marketing and logistics.

“We are busy building up our team for this effort as well as solidifying our distribution channels and retail partnerships. In addition to our own expansion, we are also working closely with JAKKS on maximising the dolls, roleplay and dress-up businesses as well,” says David Carscadden, Managing Director of Disguise UK.

 

 

Disguise to launch new costume range based on Ghostbusters and upcoming Ghostbusters: Afterlife

Toy and consumer products manufacturer JAKKS Pacific has entered into an agreement with Sony Pictures Consumer Products for its costume division Disguise to produce costumes based on the hit film Ghostbusters, as well upcoming theatrical release Ghostbusters: Afterlife (set to release exclusively in US cinemas on 19 November).

Disguise will design, market, manufacture and distribute costumes, costume accessories, inflatables and trunk-or-treat kits for both Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters: Afterlife, commencing this autumn.

“There are few films that become a pop culture phenomenon that simultaneously lend themselves to Halloween costumes so brilliantly as the Ghostbusters franchise does,” says Tara Hefter, President and GM of Disguise. “Disguise is beyond thrilled to be working with Sony Pictures Consumer Products for the first time…Ghostbusters: Afterlife is sure to be a hit and will bring even more kids into the Ghostbusters fan club.”

Disguise to launch new costume range based on Ghostbusters and upcoming Ghostbusters: Afterlife

Toy and consumer products manufacturer JAKKS Pacific has entered into an agreement with Sony Pictures Consumer Products for its costume division Disguise to produce costumes based on the hit film Ghostbusters, as well upcoming theatrical release Ghostbusters: Afterlife (set to release exclusively in US cinemas on 19 November).

Disguise will design, market, manufacture and distribute costumes, costume accessories, inflatables and trunk-or-treat kits for both Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters: Afterlife, commencing this autumn.

“There are few films that become a pop culture phenomenon that simultaneously lend themselves to Halloween costumes so brilliantly as the Ghostbusters franchise does,” says Tara Hefter, President and GM of Disguise. “Disguise is beyond thrilled to be working with Sony Pictures Consumer Products for the first time…Ghostbusters: Afterlife is sure to be a hit and will bring even more kids into the Ghostbusters fan club.”

JAKKS Pacific launches new toy line for Disney’s ‘Encanto’

Leading toy and consumer products manufacturer JAKKS Pacific has announced the launch of its new line of toys developed for the upcoming theatrical release of Disney’s Encanto, which is set to hit movie theatres worldwide on 24 November.

A heartwarming story of a young Colombian girl faced with being the only member of her family without magical powers, Encanto is set in a fictionalised Colombia and will feature eight original songs in Spanish and English by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

JAKKS is launching a global line of products that celebrate the entire family ensemble, key moments, music and room environments, allowing kids to play out their favourite parts of the film with their favourite characters.

The line coming to retail on 3 October features interactive playsets including the Magical Casa Madrigal, Singing Mirabel and Magic Butterfly doll, Sing and Play Mirabel doll, Mirabel and Isabela fashion doll assortment, Mirabel’s Musical Accordion, 7” key character plush assortment and character role play dresses. The product assortment plays original scores from the upcoming movie and includes interactive elements that bring the plot of the movie to life.

“We are beyond excited to launch our new toys for Encanto at retail this week,” says Lisa Tauber, SVP of Marketing at JAKKS Pacific, Inc. “We took great care to embody the authenticity and magic of the film when creating these products. From the singing Mirabel dolls to the Magical Casa Madrigal playset, JAKKS has developed a magical toy line with several surprises in store for the kids.”

JAKKS Pacific items for Encanto are designed for children ages 3 and up. Additional products will be featured in future waves coming next year.

JAKKS Pacific brings on board former Disney executive Lori MacPherson

JAKKS Pacific, the designer, manufacturer and marketer of toys and consumer goods whose popular brands include Creepy Crawlers, Eyeclops, Fly Wheel and Kitten Catfe, has appointed Lori MacPherson to its Board of Directors.

MacPherson served as Executive Vice President, Global Product Management for The Walt Disney Studios from 2010-2014, following her positions as Executive Vice President and General Manager of the global Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment division, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment North America, and a variety of senior Marketing and Product Management positions with The Walt Disney Company since 1991.

“I am thrilled that Lori MacPherson has joined our board of directors”, says Stephen Berman, CEO of JAKKS Pacific. “[She] brings to us over two decades of experience in entertainment and consumer products, which dovetails perfectly with our hands-on, customer-focused company. We expect to benefit from her insights into broad segments of the customer base for our wide array of products.”

Lori MacPherson commented, “I am very excited to join the Board of JAKKS Pacific, and look forward to working with my other board members and management in continuing to spearhead JAKKS’ growth by reaching out to all segments of the consumer market for JAKKS toys and games.”

With an HQ in Santa Monica, California, JAKKS Pacific’s products are sold throughout the world, and include Perfectly Cute, ReDo Skateboard Co, WeeeDo, Xtreme Power, Disguise, Maui, Moose Mountain, Kids Only!, a wide range of entertainment-inspired products featuring premier licensed properties, and C’est Moi, a New Generation of Clean Beauty. The company also has a philanthropic division, JAKKS Cares, which has so far donated more than $50 million in toys, school supplies and financial endowments to millions of underprivileged children around the world.

Dress up specialist Disguise Inc expands EMEA presence with UK senior leadership appointments

Disguise Inc, the costume division of the global toy company, JAKKS Pacific, has tapped industry veterans Tony Lewis and Lynda Morris to head up its expansion and recruitment efforts across EMEA, as it looks to build a team of costume experts across sales, design, and marketing within the region.

David Carscadden, currently managing director of JAKKS EMEA and a 12-year executive at JAKKS, will now lead both Disguise and JAKKS teams across the market. He will focus on leading both divisions and strengthening distribution channels and retail partnerships for the firm’s range of costumes.

Carscadden’s UK-based teams will be led by Tony Lewis for sales and marketng, and Lynda Morris for design and development.

A costume industry veteran with 30 years of experience with companies like Christy’s, Amscan and Character World, Lewis will bring extensive expertise to the Disguise division. He will be working closely with JAKKS to build and develop retailer and buyer relationships across the whole of Europe, while growing the list of dress up clients for both Disguise and the JAKKS team.

Lewis heads up all forecasting, planning and joint ventures as well regional and local sales teams, building and developing the customer and wider distribution base. He is currently recruiting an experienced costume sales and business development team for the UK and EMEA.

Meanwhile, Morris will be bringing decades of design and management experience within the children and adult apparel space as well as seven years experience in Halloween with Rubie’s to her new role as Design Lead for UK and EMEA.

She will work in tandem with Lewis and JAKKS teams on forecasting, safety testing and presenting concepts and styles to licensors and customers. She will also build out a creative and development team in the UK to ramp up for design this year and production in 2022. Her new team will take on the task of creating hundreds of innovative styles for Disguise’s existing and new licenses.

“We are excited to continue to expand our presence in EMEA. An enhanced dress up and role play line is a natural complement to our strong toy portfolio,” said Dan Cooney, EVP JAKKS Pacific.

Tara Hefter, president and GM, Disguise Inc, said: “This year we have been focused on maximizing our existing licenses and building structure for new brand acquisitions to be announced soon. With the recent awards of some large licenses with a global scope, it made sense to hire in industry talent and start growing our team now.

“With Tony and Lynda leading the business, we have the ground work ready to develop and expand into new regions and countries quickly. We can activate faster on new licenses and brands and bring these incredible new costumes and accessories to retail for all major dress up holidays in EMEA.”

Haribo expands its happy world with first 100th anniversary product launches

The global confectionery brand, Haribo is preparing to celebrate its milestone 100th anniversary next year, with the latest launch in a roll-out of consumer products spanning toys, footwear, apparel, and homewares throughout 2021.

Developed through collaborations forged by IMG, Haribo’s consumer products programme kicked off last month with the worldwide unveiling of a partnership with PUMA and the launch of a PUMA footwear and apparel collection. The street wear brand has now released its second drop in the collab, a collection of ‘candy-coloured’ ranges that infuse Haribo’s Goldbears with some of its own classic silhouettes.

The latest launch includes the CA Pro, Street Rider, RS-X3, and Suede all in adult, junior, preschool, and infant sizing.

Further products partnerships and launches will include Haribo branded shoes for kids developed by the European footwear retailer, Deichmann. The line is scheduled to launch at the end of July this year.

Haribo is also moving in on the toys, collectables, and plush sector with a new range launching this autumn thanks to a multi-year, global deal with the US toymaker, Jakks Pacific. Meanwhile, KidsOne will launch branded tableware in Korea.

Andreas Kuhnle, head of global marketing at Haribo, said: “Haribo is undoubtedly one of the best-known and most popular brands in many countries around the world. Our lives are full of adventures and challenges. Every day and all over the world, little and big heroes face new tasks.

“For all of them, we at Haribo create small, carefree moments of childlike happiness with our products. That’s why brands that also stand for these little moments of joy in everyday life are a perfect fit for Haribo.”

Sven Thierhoff, VP of licensing at IMG, added: “It’s amazing to see the happy world of Haribo come to life through such a diverse, colourful programme of products that embody the brand’s quality-first values. Initial collaborations have been extremely popular with collectors and Haribo fans of all ages, and we can’t wait to develop together with Haribo and new partners new thrilling ideas for the centenary of the iconic Goldbear in 2022.”