Universal Brand Development taps Moose Toys for Trolls collectibles

Moose Toys has entered a multi-year global partnership with Universal Brand Development for DreamWorks Animation’s blockbuster Trolls franchise. Under the agreement, the toymaker will develop a range of collectible figures to arrive at retail in autumn 2023, to support the highly anticipated release of the newest Trolls movie in cinemas on 17 November 2023.

In addition to creating the official Trolls collectibles for the movie, the agreement allows for cross-collaboration with original brands from Moose.

“Universal Brand Development tapping us to create collectibles for the Trolls franchise is an extraordinary opportunity,” says Menal McGrath, vice president global licensing, Moose Toys. “We cannot wait to infuse our Moose magic into movie collectibles and to bring the vibrant, colourful, diverse and inclusive Trolls into several of our key original brands.”

Moose has built a reputation for its hyper-creative collectibles and for delivering a depth within each of its brands that keeps the narrative fresh and ever-expanding. As the popularity grew for its original brands, licensing became the next logical step for the toymaker. The licensing agreement with Universal Brand Development will include an expansive line of Trolls collectible figures highlighting new characters introduced in the new film, plus evergreen movie favorites like Poppy and Branch. The line will feature a deep variety of colours, finishes and hair and range of products that will be supported by a robust marketing campaign.

“Moose is an incredible partner with a keen understanding of what makes the Trolls franchise so beloved by fans,” says Joe Lawandus, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Global Toys, Hardlines and Publishing, Universal Brand Development. “Throughout the process, they demonstrated a clear and creative vision for not only our movie-inspired collectibles, but some truly innovative thinking about how to infuse Trolls into their popular brands. Extending the Trolls narrative beyond the film and collaborating with Moose is a tremendous value-add. We could not be more delighted about this new partnership.”

The addition of DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls expands Moose’s licensed portfolio, which already includes Bluey, Octonauts and Strawberry Shortcake.

AR Discs is bringing Universal DreamWorks characters into the collectable augmented reality market

Augmented Reality has found its way into the hobbies and collectables market, thanks to an innovative new partnership between Universal DreamWorks and the tech toy developer, AR Discs.

Characters from the hit film franchises such as Shrek, Trolls, How to Train Your Dragon, Kung Fu Panda, and more are among the first to make the leap into the tech-collectable field thanks to a global licensing partnership with NBC that sees AR Discs launch into the market with clout.

A series of collectable discs, AR Discs make use of augmented reality via the free corresponding app to spring to life. Users simply hover a smart device over each disc to see its character come to life in high definition content. The range has been launched to bridge the gap between virtual and physical play.

Not only can AR Discs be collected in an album and traded with friends, but the interlocking discs can also be used to create 3D models and displays.

The new range now marks its entry to the market armed with a global licensing partnership with NBC Universal, celebrating 25 years of DreamWorks Animation, the studio behind some of the world’s biggest animated feature films, including Shrek, Trolls, How To Train Your Dragon, Kung Fu Panda, Boss Baby, Madagascar, Home, The Croods, and Abominable.

Each AR Disc is emblazoned with an image of a DreamWorks character and features embedded augmented reality content which comes to life through the free app.

William Byron, director at AR Discs Ltd, said: “We are very excited to launch AR Discs and be part of the new generation of toys that bridge the gap between virtual and physical play.

“Kids are seeking more of an experience from their collectibles today. By creating engaging content that users can experience through the app, we’re breaking the mould whilst respecting and encouraging traditional hands-on-play.”

There are 80 DreamWorks AR Discs to collect, including two gold limited editions. AR Discs are sold in a Starter Pack containing a colourful Collector Folder and two Discs (RRP £8.99) and Single Packs (RRP £1.99), are suitable for ages six and upwards.

Launching with the DreamWorks license this November, AR Discs Ltd will be following up with more licensed products in 2021 with partnerships with the Royal Air Force and Nickelodeon already in place.

Posh Paws launches its DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls World Tour collection

Posh Paws has officially launched its latest licensed plush line, a new collection inspired by DreamWorks Animation’s upcoming feature film, Trolls World Tour.

Scheduled to premiere here in the UK on April 13th this year, Trolls World Tour is the much anticipated sequel to the 2016 blockbuster hit Trolls, and will see Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake reprise their roles as Poppy and Branch among a cast of big names including Ozzy Osbourne and Gwen Stefani.

Posh Paws’ official movie plush line features fan-favourite Trolls characters including Poppy, Branch and Tiny Diamond the glitter hip-hop troll, while new faces such as Queen Barb, the leader of the Rock Trolls have been added to the cast.

As with all Posh Paws products, each character is recreated in soft fabrics with a variety of price points that are ideal for fans to enjoy whatever the occasion, from pocket money treats through to a favourite birthday gift.

Lauren Shipman, group brand and marketing director, said: “We are extremely proud of our new Trolls World Tour Plush collection. DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls are incredibly popular and with these new characters we expect this will be a standout collection for Posh Paws and our retail partners this year.”