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.

 

ViacomCBS Consumer Products promotes key executives across its leadership team

ViacomCBS Consumer Products has promoted a swathe of key executives across its leadership team, a move that follows a period of success and growth in the consumer products division across franchises including SpongeBob SquarePants, Blue’s Clues & You, Star Trek, South Park, MTV, and more.

Lourdes Arocho has been promoted to senior vice president, Paramount Pictures Licensing, Global Games and Publishing for ViacomCBS Consumer Products, where she will lead the global strategies and partnerships for these businesses. Meanwhile, Chris Groll is promoted to senior vice president, consumer products design, ViacomCBS, a critical role in liaising with the creative community on brand extensions across all ViacomCBS franchises globally.

Elsewhere, Priya Mukhedkar takes on the role of senior vice president, packaged goods, ViacomCBS Consumer Products, overseeing CPG in the US and expanding her scope to include global promotions and all seasonal and celebrations businesses.

“I want to congratulate Lourdes, Chris, and Priya on their well-deserved promotions and the tremendous leadership that they have shown for their teams,” said Pam Kaufman, president, global consumer products, ViacomCBS. “As they step into their new positions, these roles serve as cornerstones that are crucial to delivering the most innovative global consumer products campaigns for our adored characters and iconic franchises.”

In her expanded role as SVP, Paramount Pictures Licensing, Global Games and Publishing, Arocho will bring her strong industry relationships, strategic growth plans, and proven global partnership management to VCP’s gaming, publishing, and Paramount licensing programs. She has previously launched numerous successful partnerships, retail programs and products driving significant growth for the company’s biggest franchises. Arocho is based in Los Angeles and reports to Pam Kaufman.

Groll has been promoted to senior vice president, consumer products design, ViacomCBS. In this new role, Groll will build on more than a decade of experience in consumer products design. Through his leadership, he has ensured that the consumer products organization is working with forward thinking, best in class designers that reflect current trends, while expanding perspectives on design at a global level.

Groll will continue to oversee his expanding team, and play a key role working with the ViacomCBS content teams to translate the company’s top IP into innovative VCP brand extensions. He is based in New York reporting to David Chustz, executive vice president, global creative group, ViacomCBS.

Finally, as SVP, packaged goods, ViacomCBS Consumer Products, Mukhedkar will continue to oversee all CPG businesses in the US and add global oversight of the promotions and seasonal business.

Since joining ViacomCBS in 2018, Mukhedkar has built strategic alliances with major consumer products brands and is the driving force behind some of our most iconic partnerships. She joined ViacomCBS from The Walt Disney Company where she was responsible for growing the Star Wars and Marvel consumer products business in several categories. She worked across Consumer Products Licensing, Disney Parks and Studios.

Forbidden Planet and ViacomCBS launch Paramount Pictures partnership for Top Gun, Forrest Gump, and cult classic Galaxy Quest

The pop culture retailer, Forbidden Planet ha partnered with ViacomCBS to launch a new line of direct to retail branded merchandise featuring some of the most classic Paramount Pictures properties, including Top Gun, and Galaxy Quest.

The online retailer is launching a new range of apparel and giftware based on seven films from the Paramount Pictures library, with The Godfather, Top Gun, Top Gun: Maverick, Forrest Gump, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Anchorman, Sleepy Hollow, and Galaxy Quest all featuring in the line up.

Releases developed under the partnership will include t-shirts, hoodies, and accessories, including sew-on patches, enamel keyrings and pin badges. In addition, there will be an exclusive, collectible line of giftware with art prints, postcard packs, mugs, tea towels, magnets and travel pass holders. 

The launch of the new Paramount Pictures line follows two other successful ViacomCBS / Forbidden Planet DTR tie-ups for Nickelodeon and South Park. Due to its ties to science-fiction and fandom, Galaxy Quest as the first release in the range.

Anthony Garnon, licensing and special projects manager at Forbidden Planet, said: “I’m genuinely thrilled to be working on the Paramount Films library. These are some of the most well known and beloved films of all time. I’m very proud to launch with some great Galaxy Quest merchandise, as that’s a fantastic cult film that hasn’t had much merchandising in recent years – and we’ve had fans crying out to get their hands on some.”