It’s been 71 years since Gene Kelly danced onto the large display in Singing within the Rain, and 22 years because the magical world of Harry Potter flew into theaters to kick off probably the most worthwhile film franchises in historical past. And it’s been 100 years since Harry, Albert, Sam, and Jack Warner formally based a film studio that might go on to supply some of popular culture’s most enduring film and TV titles.
At present’s youngsters could not have been alive when the The Lord of the Rings films debuted in theaters or when Associates aired its closing episode, however the cultural influence of Warner Bros.’ tentpole franchises signifies that collectors and toy lovers of all ages are a part of the celebration for Warner Bros.’ one hundredth anniversary.
In keeping with Robert Oberschelp, Normal Supervisor of North America and Senior Vice President of International Franchise Administration and Model Product at Warner Bros. Discovery, the buyer merchandise crew had a number of objectives when designing and releasing merchandise for the centennial celebration. These included honoring the studio’s lengthy and diversified historical past, interesting to all Warner Bros. followers, and telling a cohesive story all year long.
“We’re going to do all the things from high-end runway to our mass and worth,” Oberschelp says. “We need to be sure that all people will get a chunk of historical past and [can] be capable to have a good time with us.”
Whereas the year-long “WB100” celebration is a cross-category program, firms within the toy and collectibles house are staple companions for Warner Bros. One of many main themes within the anniversary assortment is a choice of mash-up merchandise that includes the Looney Tunes characters dressed as characters from different Warner Bros. properties, akin to Scooby-Doo, Casablanca, and DC Comics.
As Oberschelp explains, these traditional cartoons felt like a pure match for this mental property crossover. “I’d say Looney Tunes is synonymous with Warner Brothers…” he says. “[The crossover] will not be one thing that we do calmly. So this second is one the place you’ve bought to get it now, otherwise you’re not going to get it.”
A number of toy companions have already launched merchandise inside this assortment, together with Funko, Mattel, Monogram Worldwide, and Headstart Worldwide.
McFarlane Toys additionally relaunched its Film Maniacs collection with WB100 figures, starting from Bugs Bunny dressed as Superman to Alan Garner from The Hangover and Ted Lasso. “Whereas, traditionally, this model was centered across the horror style, we wished to deliver it again larger and higher than ever, with a recent new take …” says Stephan Tetrault, COO of McFarlane Toys “The breadth of content material Warner Brothers has given us entry to for this program is unimaginable.”
“We need to be sure that all people will get a chunk of historical past and [can] be capable to have a good time with us.”
– Robert Oberschelp, Warner Bros.
All through this anniversary 12 months, Warner Bros. plans to attraction to followers and households by a wide range of licensing partnerships for merchandise, occasions, and experiences. Peter van Roden, Senior Vice President of International Themed Leisure at Warner Bros. Discovery, says that the corporate prioritized discovering the best companions for this event.
“With this main milestone, it was crucial that we’re reaching a worldwide viewers and dealing alongside licensees who respect the significance of storytelling to assist us seize the spirit and legacy of Warner Bros. in a significant method,” he says.
In the end, Oberschelp says that Warner Bros. stands aside as a studio due to its cross-generational attraction, which is one thing the buyer merchandise crew centered on when engaged on the anniversary toys and collectibles, particularly the mash-ups.
“We now have the flexibility to faucet into all of the generations, all the followers, all the genres, and the flexibility to cross these…” he says. “It’s only a method for us to deliver the generations collectively and shut that hole between the great-great-grandchild and a great-great-grandmother or grandfather. It’s having the ability to have these connection factors and the flexibility for the older technology to introduce a youthful, and vice versa.”
WARNER BROS. 100TH-ANNIVERSARY TOYS
FUNKO
Looney Tunes x Scooby-Doo Mash-Up Pop! Figures | Ages: 3+ | MSRP: $11.99-29.99 | Obtainable: Now
“Puddy tat” meets “Rooby-Dooby-Doo” for this collection of crossover collectibles, which depict Looney Tunes characters dressed because the Thriller Inc. gang from Scooby-Doo.
HEADSTART INTERNATIONAL
WB100 7-inch Mashups Collector Figures | Ages: 5+ | MSRP: $14.99 | Obtainable: Now
This assortment of articulated figures options Looney Tunes characters cosplaying as characters from The Wizarding World and DC Comics, akin to Lola Bunny in a Ravenclaw gown (pictured).
MATTEL
WB100 Sizzling Wheels Themed Leisure Assortment | Ages: 3+ | MSRP: $2.49 | Obtainable: Now
These collectible die-cast automobiles mix the Looney Tunes characters with automobiles from varied Warner Bros. properties, together with Batman and Scooby-Doo.
MCFARLANE TOYS
WB100: Bugs Bunny as Superman Film Maniacs 6-inch Posed Determine | Ages: 12+ | MSRP: $24.99 | Obtainable: Now
Bugs Bunny fits up because the Man of Metal for this collectible determine, which features a printed backdrop scene, an artwork card, and a certificates of authenticity.
MONOGRAM INTERNATIONAL
Warner Bros. one hundredth Anniversary Thriller Figural Bag Clip | Ages: 4+ | MSRP: $8.90 | Obtainable: Now
The Looney Tunes gang is dressed as varied Warner Bros. characters in an assortment of mystery-bag, chibi keychains.
A model of this text was initially printed within the 2023 Licensing & Leisure Difficulty of The Toy E book. Click here to learn the total problem! Wish to obtain The Toy E book in print? Click here for subscription choices!
