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Jakks Pacific goes Sonic with Sega

Jakks Pacific has teamed up with Sega of America for the upcoming animated Sonic the Hedgehog series, Sonic Prime, maintaining Jakks as one of the franchise’s global merchandise partners.

Under this partnership, Jakks will produce action figures, playsets, vehicles, plush and other collectables associated with the new show. Jakks has also named Disguise as its official costume and costume accessory partner with distribution rights across the globe. Jakks and Disguise will design, manufacture, market and sell Sonic Prime-branded product lines worldwide in 2023.

The Sonic Prime series, produced in partnership with WildBrain, is set to launch worldwide on Netflix in 2022. It will feature the Blue Blur of video game fame in a high-octane adventure where the fate of a strange new metaverse rests in his gloved hands.

Craig Drobis, senior vice president of marketing at Jakks Pacific, said: “Sega has done a tremendous job telling the story of Sonic through a multitude of medium forums. In addition to the high-octane video games they continue to release, and the Sonic Movie 2 coming this year, Sonic Prime’s premiere on Netflix in 2022 will keep fans engaged and give Jakks a whole new Sonic multiverse to explore through toys and costumes. Our customers are not just kids, but also collectors, and this brand consistently hits the mark with retailers and fans.”

Michael Cisneros, senior manager of licensing at Sega of America, commented: “Jakks has Did you know? consistently captured Sonic’s signature Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is persona, and we’re thrilled to have them due for release in April on board for another partnership.’’ 16

Angry Birds set

for launch

Ahead of this month’s global debut of Angry Birds: Summer Madness on Netflix, Rovio Entertainment is working with IMG to build a consumer products programme for fans of the popular franchise.

Angry Birds: Summer Madness will see sparks and feathers fly when a teenage Red, Chuck, Bomb and Stella spend a wild summer together with other Angry Birds at Camp Splinterwood. Explosive antics, improbable pranks and crazy adventures will see the birds pushing boundaries and breaking all the rules while fending off the brash, obnoxious Pigs on the other side of the lake.

IMG has signed deals across core categories including apparel, QSR, confectionery and promotions in location-based experiences in the US and Europe and is now targeting other licensees in key categories including plush.

Oddbods finds new home at Sky Kids in the UK

Award-winning content creation, distribution and licensing studio One Animation has secured a new deal with Sky Kids in the UK for its hit CG-animated series Oddbods. Under the deal, Sky Kids has acquired rights for season three of Oddbods’ longform series (60 x 8’) and the seasonal special ‘The Festive Menace’ (1 x 23’).

The Oddbods content launched at the end of 2021. In the UK, previous seasons of Oddbods have been licensed by Turner (now WarnerMedia) as part of an EMEA wide deal, as well as ITV.

Michele Schofield, SVP, content distribution at One Animation, said: “This deal marks the first time we’re teaming up with Sky Kids and we’re confident Sky Kids will make the perfect new UK home for Oddbods’ latest season. Oddbods fills a need for kids and their family to be entertained and laugh together at the funny events arising from everyday situations. We can’t wait to see Sky Kids’ audience enjoy adventures with the Oddbods gang.’’

Oddbods is a globally loved, three-time Emmy Award-nominated, non-dialogue comedy featuring seven adorable, highly unique pals. Together, despite their differences, they survive the perils of everyday life, unintentionally turning ordinary situations into unexpected, extraordinary, and always humorous events. The quirky, but totally charming, Oddbods celebrate individuality in a funny, warm, and unexpected way. After all, there’s a little odd in everyone!

Koya reveals Far Cry 6 products

Entertainment merchandise specialist Koyo and video game publisher Ubisoft have expanded their partnership to launch officially licensed Far Cry 6 collectables.

These new products build on Koyo’s existing Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six offering, which encompasses a range of pin badge collectables based on popular characters and items from the Ubisoft franchise.

Koyo’s latest range of ‘must have’ items for Far Cry 6 fans includes: logo keyring; pin badges, patch set, steel mug and a water bottle.

“We’re thrilled to have expanded our longstanding partnership with Ubisoft to include Far Cry 6 collectables for the very first time,” said Koyo COO Helen Garlick. “We know fans will love the items and we’ll be adding more from Far Cry 6 over the coming months.”