Movies 2023 - Get the Popcorn Ready

Get the Popcorn Ready!

The movie industry will continue with the trends that we have seen over the last years. While there will be big ‘event’ theatrical releases, distribution will continue to be split between cinemas and digital, with movies becoming a whole immersive, interactive experience. The majority of predicted blockbusters are franchises, sequels, and remakes, and this will be demonstrated in the vast consumer product programs that are built around some of the biggest releases.

Barbie

Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania

Scream VI

Shazam! Fury of the Gods

John Wick: Chapter 4

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Evil Dead Rise

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

Fast X

Dune: Part Two

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts

The Super Mario Bros. Movie The Little Mermaid

The Flash

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning, Part One

The Marvels

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom

Talking... Dune: Part Two For the few who don’t know about the Dune franchise, can you tell us a little more about the movies?

Charlie Donaldson, Joint Managing Director, Rocket Licensing Limited: Frank Herbert wrote a series of six seminal sci-fi novels, beginning with the first book, DUNE, which is among the best-selling sci-fi novels in history and is set thousands of years in humanity’s future. In 2021, Legendary Pictures released its big screen adaptation, “Dune” which was met with both critical and box office success including 10 Oscar nominations and 6 wins. The highly anticipated “Dune: Part Two” is scheduled to arrive in theatres on November 3, 2023. Both films are directed by Oscar nominee Denis Villeneuve (“Arrival”, “Blade Runner 2049”).

Was there a licensing campaign for “Dune”?

There was a licensing campaign for the first movie. We had several partners on board including Abysse Corp, Funko, McFarlane Toys, Mad Engine and more. These product lines proved successful across a range of retail partners including Amazon, Forbidden Planet, HMV, Hot Topic, Target and Walmart.

What categories are you targeting for “Dune: Part Two” and why?

Awareness of the brand is strong and expected to grow, which creates an amazing opportunity. The range of product from existing partners is set to deepen and we are adding some exciting new licensees as well that are set to release some amazing new products in the run up to the movie release. We have a tremendous cast in this film, with several new and very important characters being introduced, which will allow us to expand our figure range. The film also delivers incredible gadgets and vehicles, and we will be leaning into these iconic elements as well.

Will the “Dune: Part Two” licensing campaign begin well before the movie is released - while teasers are going out, say?

While there will be some products in the market in the run up to the movie, the majority of our Dune: Part Two partners will be launching in conjunction with the film release in Q4 2023. Certain categories of products like toys, figures, collectibles, apparel and accessories are more specific to each film, and Part Two products will be available around the film’s release.

How will the licensing campaign respond to uncontrollable elements like Oscar buzz that may boost retail demand?

We’ll be ready! Our aim is to build a longterm licensing campaign to satisfy fan demand and add to the overall enjoyment of the movie and the franchise. We know what a huge impact “Dune” had and, working with our partners, we aim to make sure we will have product and retail initiatives ready for the key beats of the franchise during 2023 and beyond.