UPDATED: At the end of this article are a couple of new images, one of the Speed Racer Mach 5 and one of The Dark Knight‘s Batpod. You can click on them for much larger versions.
Hey, if you are in need of toys based on movies look no further than Mattel as today word has been made that not only has Mattel nabbed the exclusive licensing relationship to make toys based on DreamWorks Pictures’ latest animated film Kung Fu Panda, but more importantly they will be the global master toy licensee for both Speed Racer and The Dark Knight, two of the biggest summer films coming out in 2008 from Warner Bros. Pictures.
This means consumers will see everything from vehicles, action figures, action play, remote control vehicles, handheld electronics, games, puzzles, plush and role play for the forthcoming releases.
Mattel will tap into the action, characters and storyline to bring the film to life across a broad number of their product lines. With Speed’s Mach 5 leading the way, the leading die-cast vehicle brand, Hot Wheels, will feature a wide assortment of die-cast vehicles, race sets and track sets based on the film. Tyco, the leading remote control vehicle brand, will put kids behind the wheel of the Mach 5 with R/C vehicles and racing sets. Radica, Mattel’s newly acquired games and electronics division, will put the action in the hands of kids through products that let them take the wheel, literally. Additionally, a line of Mattel games and puzzles will capture the film’s action through board games, puzzles and a special-edition UNO card game.
Speed Racer products are expected to begin arriving at retailers around the world beginning in late March 2008.
The Dark Knight producer, Charles Roven added: “Batman is an incredible franchise, and we are really excited about taking it to the next level with The Dark Knight. Along with the Batmobile we are introducing a new vehicle, the Batpod, a new Batsuit and some classic characters in The Joker and Harvey Dent. We are confident that fans around the world will enjoy the increased action and the continuation of a great story and we hope they appreciate the integrity and respect we’ve shown for this iconic character.”
For their film-inspired product lines, Mattel will utilize the multiple elements introduced in The Dark Knight. A new Batsuit, a new vehicle in the form of the Batpod and multiple key action scenes that set the stage for inspired play. Mattel’s action figure line will feature Batman and the new Batsuit. Tyco R/C vehicles bring to life the speed and action of the Batmobile and the new Batpod. An entire line of action play items will allow boys to role-play being The Dark Knight. Additionally, Mattel will release a line of games and puzzles that will capture the film action through board games, puzzles and a special-edition UNO card game.
Products based on The Dark Knight are expected to begin arriving at retailers around the world beginning in early June 2008.
Click on either of the images below for larger versions.
