LEGO unleashes the LEGO DC Batman 1989 Batwing, inspired by the Tim Burton classic movie

The LEGO Group celebrated Batman Day this month in true style, by partnering with Warner Bros. Consumer Products and DC to release the LEGO DC Batman 1989 Batwing, a LEGO brick reconstruction of the vehicle seen in Tim Burton’s iconic 1989 Batman film.

One for the keen-eyed Batman fans to appreciate, the design uses the smooth lines and features from the original model to bring the gothic elegance to the build. Fans of LEGO and DC alike can explore a full interior, removable canopy and poseable aerodynamic wings. The kit is also dotted with Easter eggs to surprise builders, such as a screen featuring The Joker’s gas balloons and a Bat Engine label.

The LEGO DC Batman 1989 Batwing comes in at an impressive 2,363 pieces and measures over 11cm high. The construction set also features a special brick which allows builders to mount and display their model on the wall. The kit joins the previously released LEGO DC Batman 1989 Batmobile as a dramatic addition to any collector’s line up.

LEGO Creative lead Jesper C. Nielsen, said: “The emblematic set truly takes fans on a journey, as they immerse themselves into Gotham city and get hands-on with the set, using Batman, The Joker and Boombox goon minifigures to relive their favourite moments from the film.

“Fans can even create the infamous scene when The Joker barges in on the Dark Knight and utters his classic words “have you ever danced with the devil in the pale moonlight?.”

The LEGO 1989 Batwing construction set is the latest example of how the LEGO Group aims to inspire builders of all ages to build, rebuild and get excited by the process of creation. A complex and rewarding build, the LEGO 1989 Batwing construction set allows builders to relax as they escape from the real world and enter the Batman universe.

Designed for those aged 18 and upwards, the new set will also feature the new stylish packaging designed to reflect the sophisticated nature of the creative process.

All new products in the LEGO Group’s ranges that appeal to adults will now feature the sleek, minimalistic new design across related packaging, building instructions, exclusive content and in-store and online store design.

LEGO 1989 Batwing will be available for LEGO VIP members from 21st October and for remaining LEGO fans from 1st November, directly via LEGO.com and LEGO Stores.

 

The London Toy Company teams with Wow! Stuff and Warner Bros to launch Harry Potter plush

The London Toy Company has collaborated with the teams at both Wow! Stuff and Warner Brothers to develop its first range of plush toys based on the ever-popular Harry Potter franchise.

The firm, who rebranded from High Resolution Designs this year, already specialises in the development of ultra-realistic and iconic plush toys, having previously found success in the licensed plush space through partnerships with Transport for London and Pringles.

Its new collection – developed in partnership with Warner Bros Consumer Products – features three iconic vehicles from the Harry Potter franchise, including The Knight Bus, Ford Anglia, and the Hogwarts Express Train.

“After initially being introduced by Russ Winter to the guys at Wow! Stuff, it became clear very quickly that there was something about our product that fitted with Wow’s ethos of delivering exactly that – wow factor toys,” said Joel Berkowitz, MD of The London Toy Company.

The partnership sees The London Toy Company launch and sell the new lines, available now. According to the firm, much interest has presented itself already and retailers are encouraged to get in touch.

“Our partnership with Wow! Stuff and Harry Potter is a huge step for us as we celebrate five years since incorporation along with a brand new trading name [previously High Resolution Design]. Working with Kenny, Richard and the team to deliver this project has been a pleasure and I thank them for their trust and dedication in getting on board with us to deliver these incredible new lines,” Berkowitz added.

Enquires: please contact Joel Berkowitz at joel@thelondontoycompany.co.uk

 

Mad Beauty partners with Warner Bros Consumer Products for Friends, DC, and Looney Tunes lines

The UK bath, body, and cosmetics specialist Mad Beauty has detailed a new partnership with Warner Bros Consumer Products to develop a collection inspired by its iconic brands Friends, DC, and Looney Tunes. The new deal and subsequent collection will bolster the firm’s plans for growth across the UK and US.

The partnership marks another milestone for Mad Beauty who has cited ‘extraordinary growth’ over the last two years in home markets. Already 2020 has seen announcements including international extensions of existing brand licenses, the launch of Mad Beauty USA, and establishing new warehouse and fulfilment support.

The first collaboration coming out of the new partnership with Warner Bros. Consumer Products will be a collection inspired by the hit television series Friends. The assortment will launch into market from AW20, consisting of Eyeshadow Palette, Lip Glosses, Make-up Brushes, Face Masks, Shower hats, and more.

“We see ourselves as a beauty company that makes gifts rather than a gift company that makes beauty products and we believe that combining our experience in producing high quality beauty, bath and body ranges with some of Warner Bros’ most iconic characters is a winning formula that retailers will enjoy offering and fans will love,” said Mad Beauty’s managing director, Trevor Cash.

“We’re excited to partner with Mad Beauty on this wonderful new collection. This collaboration provides a great opportunity for fans to celebrate their favourite characters and incorporate them into their daily lives, said Rachel Wakley, general manager UK & Ireland, Warner Bros. Consumer Products.

 

Warner Bros. Consumer Products opens first office in Poland naming Dorota Pawlowska director of licensing and retail

Warner Bros. Consumer Products has kicked off 2020 with the grand opening of its first dedicated office in Poland.

The office, located in Warsaw, is owned and operated by WBCP, joining other European offices in the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. The new team will represent WarnerMedia’s licensing business that also covers Cartoon Network franchises like Ben 10 and The Powerpuff Girls.

The portfolio also spans the Adult Swim hit Rick and Morty and HBO properties, including the globe-spanning mega hit Game of Thrones.

“We are very excited to set up a new office in Poland’s capital city,” said Julian Moon, senior vice president EMEA, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. “The potential for expanding our consumer products and licensing business in Eastern Europe is immense. We know that the top-tier properties we are representing have already proven to have incredible resonance in Poland.

“Having talented people on the ground will allow us to enhance our retail relationships and further explore many more opportunities throughout the country and the region.”

The new office will give the company a foothold in the burgeoning Eastern European market. WBCP will concentrate its efforts on leveraging WarnerMedia’s award-winning portfolio of franchises including DC Comics, Wizarding World and iconic classic animation including Scooby-Doo, Looney Tunes and Tom and Jerry.

To staff the new office, Dorota Pawlowska, has been appointed as the new director of licensing and retail. Joining from Cartoon Network where she held the position of licensing director for Central Eastern Europe, Pawlowska has a long track record of innovation and creativity in the licensing business and will leverage her years of experience within the Time Warner business to establish WBCP’s new footprint in the country.

Warner Bros. partners with Wonderland Restaurants to bring DC-inspired dining experience to London

Warner Bros. has partnered with the emerging experiential dining group, Wonderland Restaurants to bring a new, DC-inspired establishment to London’s Soho.

The restaurant, called Park Row, is scheduled to open at 77 Brewer Street, and will be the first fully-immersive DC-inspired restaurant experience in the world, bringing with it characters from the DC universe, including Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman.

Wonderland Restaurants is a new group formed by leading names in the culinary world, including its executive chef Cláudio Cardoso, the former group executive chef at Sushisamba, innovation director Mark Garston, the former head of central development at the Fat Duck in Bray, and creative director Mike Bagale, the former executive chef at Alinea in Chicago.

This trio will be responsible for the development of the menu.

Park Row will occupy the 18,000 sq ft basement at the Crown Estate’s Grade II-listed venue. It will have 330 covers across five restaurants and three bar areas with interiors designed by London-based Ab Rogers Design (ARD).

ARD has designed the interiors to bring DC’s famous fictional environments to life.

Pennyworth’s (named after Bruce Wayne’s butler, Alfred), will serve historically-inspired British sharing dishes. The Iceberg Lounge, dedicated to Batman comic book villain the Penguin, will be the largest restaurant in the Art Deco dining room featuring an international menu, cocktail bar and live entertainment.

There will also be a Harley Quinn-inspired restaurant and an Old Gotham City speakeasy, serving cocktails and sharing plates. The Monarch Theatre, Park Row’s multi-sensory tasting menu experience, will use projection mapping technology ‘to explore the psychology of heroism through food.’

James Bulmer, chief creative officer at Wonderland Restaurants, who founded and owns the group together with private equity investors, said: “This is a project many years in the making, with every detail carefully thought out to deliver a unique experience for our guests. Trends in our sector are moving towards fun, immersive and experiential dining and our aim is to demonstrate this on a grand scale with exceptional food and drink to match.”

Peter van Roden, senior vice president of Global Themed Entertainment at Warner Bros. Consumer Products, added: “Warner Bros. Consumer Products and DC have been integrally involved in the creative development of the concept, collaborating and contributing to Wonderland’s vision for this unique experience and expression of the DC brand.

“We are hugely excited to see the first immersive DC-inspired restaurant open here in London and wish the incredibly talented team at Wonderland and Park Row all the best for its launch.”