Multi-Category Collection Expected to Arrive at Retailers Worldwide Beginning June 2022
Mattel Furthers Its Relationship with Disney and Pixar, Building on The Success of “Toy Story” And “Cars” Franchises
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., October 20, 2021 – Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) today announced that it has entered into a global licensing agreement for Disney and Pixar’s “Lightyear,” the origin story of “Toy Story’s” Buzz Lightyear. Through the agreement, Mattel has global licensing rights to develop a line of toys for the “Lightyear” franchise, including action figures, playsets, role play, vehicles, preschool, games, plush, value figures, novelty, and more. The collection is expected to launch at retailers across the globe beginning June 2022.
The new licensing agreement builds on Mattel and Disney’s existing licensing relationships for Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story” and “Cars” franchises, among others.
“At Mattel, we treat our licensors’ properties as if they were our own,” said Richard Dickson, President and Chief Operating Officer, Mattel. “For more than 15 years, Mattel has collaborated with Disney and Pixar to bring their amazing content to life with our innovative products and marketing initiatives. We are excited to further that collaboration by introducing a line of toys and play experiences for fans of all ages to enjoy, to infinity and beyond.”
“We’re thrilled to further our ongoing collaboration with Mattel and bring even more products and experiences to life that delight millions of fans around the world through Pixar Animation Studios’ unique brand of storytelling,” said Josh Silverman, EVP Global Third-Party Commercialization, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. “With ‘Lightyear,’ there is an incredible opportunity to celebrate everyone’s favorite Space Ranger – along with a new cast of characters – through new and exciting toys, play experiences and more.”
“Lightyear” is a sci-fi action-adventure and the definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear (voice of Chris Evans) – the hero who inspired the toy. The film reveals how a young test pilot became the Space Ranger that we all know him to be today. “Lightyear,” directed by Angus MacLane (co-director of “Finding Dory”), will be released in theaters June 17, 2022.
About Mattel
Mattel is a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest catalogs of children’s and family entertainment franchises in the world. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain and develop children through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends®, UNO® and MEGA®, as well as other popular intellectual properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television content, gaming, music and live events. We operate in 35 locations and our products are available in more than 150 countries in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering children to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.
About Pixar Animation Studios
Pixar Animation Studios, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is an Academy Award®-winning film studio with world-renowned technical, creative and production capabilities in the art of computer animation. The Northern California studio has created some of the most successful and beloved animated films of all time, including “Toy Story,” “Monsters, Inc.,” “Cars,” “The Incredibles,” “Ratatouille,” “WALL•E,” “Up,” “Brave,” “Inside Out,” “Coco” and “Soul.” Its movies and technology have won 40 Academy Awards® and the films have grossed more than $14 billion at the worldwide box office. "Luca," Pixar's 24th feature, is currently streaming on Disney+.
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Niki Kazakos
Niki.Kazakos@mattel.com
Kristine Karaca
Kristine.Karaca@mattel.com
