WildBrain CPLG lands wave of European licensees for Sony’s The Boys, Cobra Kai and Outlander

WildBrain CPLG has secured a wave of cross-category European licensees for Sony Pictures Consumer Products’ hit TV series The Boys, Cobra Kai, and Outlander.

Getting the action underway for the superhero series The Boys, WildBrain CPLG has landed UK partnerships with Forbidden Planet for a t-shirt and gifting line, The Hut Group for apparel and accessories, Fashion UK for apparel and accessories, and Pyramid International for posters and accessories.

Over in Germany, and Spreadshirt is on board for print-on-demand apparelm and EMP.com for an apparel range across Europe. Additionally, Cotton Division is developing apparel for the French market while in Spain, Stor SL is creating homewares. Grupo Erik has signed for calendars, posters and gifts.

The Boys is an Amazon Prime Video original series based on the comic book of the same name by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson. The series follows a team of vigilantes as they combat superheroes who abuse their power and abilities.

Elsewhere, and the martial arts comedy-drama Cobrai Kai – inspired by the iconic Karate Kid film franchise – is kickstarting the year with new UK deals 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.

Set in Scotland and based on the bestselling novels by Diana Gabaldon, Outlander follows the story of a time-travelling 20th century doctor, Claire Fraser, and her 18th century Highlander husband Jamie Fraser.

John Taylor, VP Northern Europe and managing director UK and France at WildBrain CPLG, said: “Sony Pictures Consumer Products has a rich and compelling TV portfolio, which offers great entertainment for every audience. From the grittiness and thrilling twists of The Boysto the nostalgia and humour ofCobra Kai, and Outlander’s gripping storylinesthese 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.

LEGO reveals its ‘most detailed’ Ghostbusters ECTO-1 to date ahead of Ghostbusters: Afterlife

The LEGO Group has revealed its largest and ‘most detailed’ recreation of the Ghostbusters ECTO-1 vehicle ever to be realised in brick form, months ahead of the release of the 2021 film Ghostbusters: Afterlife.

The new, buildable version of the classic car is ‘crammed full of authentic details’ from the iconic converted 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor ambulance, including a moving ghost sniffer, detailed roof rack, and a host of paranormal detection equipment.

The LEGO Ghostbusters ECTO-1 has been billed as the perfect addition for film fans, featuring printed versions of the Ghostbusters logo adorning the car doors. The vehicle also comes with an extendable rear gunner seat, working steerings wheel and more, to make this launch ‘the most detailed LEGO brick recreation of the car ever produced.’

The car is the latest in a collection of film-based LEGO model building kits for adults who enjoy the LEGO building process. The set features two new LEGO brick elements in the new 6×14 curved windscreen and a new five module steering wheel.

The set’s LEGO designer, Michael Psiaki, said: “I love creating LEGO vehicles, and having previously designed the LEGO James Bond Aston Martin DB5, I loved the challenge of working on the ECTO-1. This is the largest and most detailed version of this car that we have ever created. It is crammed full of authentic features and easter eggs that I’m excited for builders to discover as they put this model together.”

The LEGO Ghostbusters ECTO-1 contains 2,352 pieces and measures over 8-inches (22.5cm) high, 18-inces (47cm) long and 6-inches (16.5cm) wide. The set will be available from November 15th ahead of the release of the latest film in the Ghostbusters Franchise, Ghostbusters: Afterlife that launches in 2021.

Sony Consumer Products’ hit TV series Outlander moves into jewellery with Aurora Jewellery

Aurora Jewellery has launched an official Outlander collection of jewellery thanks to its partnership with Sony Consumer Products brokered by WildBrain CPLG. Having been developed over recent months by the experts at Auora, the range is now available in outlets across Scotland.

Steven Cooper, owner of Aurora Jewellery, said: “We were delighted to be approached by WildBrain CPLG and invited to collaborate on an Outlander collection. Our existing range of jewellery and tartans are greatly inspired by the islands’ history and culture, so the Outlander theme was the perfect fit for us. And, since we are also fans of the series, it has been an absolute pleasure to work on the new range.”

Laura Quinn, category manager UK, at WildBrain CPLG, added: “We are so excited to see the Outlander collaboration with Aurora Jewellery launch. Aurora Jewellery has created a wonderful collection, which reflects Scottish style and design beautifully, and is the perfect gift for any Outlander fan.”

The great success of the series is believed to be responsible for the recent surge in visitors to Scotland and also contributing to a boost in the textiles industry. Outlander boasts its very own unique tartan, registered by the Scottish Tartan Authority and owned by Sony Pictures.

The show attracts a worldwide audience and enjoys a very passionate fan base. It follows the story of a time-travelling 20th century doctor Claire Fraser and her 18th century Highlander husband Jamie Fraser.

“We’re thrilled to collaborate with Aurora Jewellery to bring their unique and authentic handcrafted designs to Outlander fans around the world and people who visit Scotland’s many Outlander tourist locations,” said Jamie Stevens, EVP, worldwide consumer products, Sony Pictures Entertainment.

“Our strategy is always to put our fans first and it is important to us to work with licensees who are fans themselves and can champion our brands – and we have found that with the talented team at Aurora Jewellery. Created in the beautiful Orkney Islands, Aurora Jewellery is uniquely suited to offer the Outlander fans product they want. We hope that this program will lead to more amazing products and licensees to come on board.”

The full range of Aurora silver, gold and diamond jewellery is available in their shops: in Albert Street, Kirkwall; Rotterdam Street, Thurso; and Commercial Street, Lerwick. It is also available online at www.aurora-jewellery.co.uk

Sony, Penguin and Clarkson Potter cosy up with Outlander Knitting

Clarkson Potter, Penguin Random House, and Sony Consumer Products are cosying up this autumn to launch Outlander Knitting, a collection of knitting projects inspired by the hit TV series Outlander, an adaptation of Diana Gabaldon’s best-selling novels.

The new launch will feature 20 projects for apparel, accessories, and home decor that relate to specific episodes of the TV series, allowing fans to recreate rustic knits – both those worn on the show and other items imagined from the story of Jamie Fraser and Claire Beauchamp Randall.

Fans will be able to knit the capelet cowl that Mrs. Fitz gives to Claire at Castle Leoch, warm their feet with Clan Mackenzie Boot Socks, swaddle the bairn with the Mo Chridhe Baby Blanket, and dress their very own Jamie in a warm waistcoat. From beginner-friendly chunky knits to more advanced Celtic cables, each project includes a clearly written pattern, photography, and scenes from the set.

Billed as ‘a love letter to the fans’, Outlander Knitting aims to ‘transport you back in time to the Scottish Highlands.’

“We are very excited to partner with Clarkson Potter|Penguin Random House on Outlander Knitting. The book happens to be a passion project of mine because it not only rounds up and beautifully displays the unique pieces of knitwear seen on the show, but it also encourages fans to tap into their creativity to make their favorite Outlander-inspired knits that they can proudly say they created on their own,” said Jamie Stevens, EVP, worldwide consumer products, Sony Pictures Entertainment.

“With projects for beginners to advanced knitters, Outlander Knitting is sure to keep fans entertained when they are watching the show and even when they are not.”