2 minute read
MGM - what the future holds
It’s All Go at MGM
Robert, how have you found the challenges of the past few months?
AT MGM we consider ourselves extremely lucky that we have such a fantastic portfolio of both new and classic properties that really resonate with audiences and consumers. It’s no secret that, in times of crisis, people often turn to entertainment that brings them comfort and nostalgic.
Can you outline some of the top priorities for MGM going forward?
Where to start! We have a lot of exciting things going on. We are championing both anniversaries of Rocky and Legally Blonde this year, we are looking forward to the second instalment in the Addams Family franchise and we are expanding in the gaming space. We are also excited about the development of a live-action Pink Panther CGI hybrid film.
We hear there is a new Legally Blonde movie coming out too.
Absolutely. Legally Blonde really continues to resonate with fans around the globe. It celebrates feminism, hard work and of course, fun and fashion. Reese Witherspoon will star, and Mindy Kaling is also heavily involved. Legally Blonde was one of the funniest and most popular movies of the time, and 20 years later still holds incredible popularity.
The Addams Family saw great success when it was released – what are the plans for the sequel?
With Halloween gaining popularity year after year, not just in the States but around the world, there certainly has been increased appetite for The Addams Family! We in turn are growing both the licensing program tied in with the film and the perennial licensing program from the classic show. The Addams Family, in particular Wednesday Addams, symbolise diversity, acceptance, and, especially in today’s world, that being quirky and ‘different’ is something to be celebrated. Girls and young women in particular identify with Wednesday Addams and she has become something of the break-out star of the movie.
You mention the gaming space – what are the plans there?
MGM teamed up with EON Productions and Delphi to develop and publish the very first James Bond original story with the working title Project 007. Project 007 will feature a wholly original Bond story exclusively as a video game.
“There is a huge appetite for The Addams Family!’
Total Licensing caught up with Robert Marick, EVP Global Consumer Products & Experiences at MGM to hear about all the exciting news coming from the studio this year...
James Bond has a very strong legacy in the video game space, with some of the most iconic games of all-time based on the character. Working with our partners at EON and the talented team at IO Interactive, we plan to bring a new take on this legendary franchise to gamers and Bond fans around the world. IO Interactive are masters of crafting living, breathing worlds of immersive storytelling.
We have spoken before about MGM and the interactive, experiential licensing side of things. How have you fared during the pandemic on this side and what do you think the future holds?
Of course, it’s a difficult time when people cannot physically attend an experience. But we are always working on new and innovative ways to ensure that, in addition to our classic licensing strategy, there are many different ways in which fans can experience our fantastic array of brands.
