Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) has signed a slate of renowned global licensees, led by master toy partner Bandai America Incorporated, to capture the adventurous thrills of Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ highly anticipated film Godzilla. Returning the character to its epic roots, Godzilla stomps into theaters on May 16, 2014, with a star cast including Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ken Watanabe, Elizabeth Olsen and Juliette Binoche, with David Strathairn and Bryan Cranston.
Featuring spectacular creatures, thrilling action, epic battles and a legendary monster, Godzilla provides the backbone for a monstrous merchandise offering for fans of all ages and enables compelling cross-category opportunities across mass and specialty retailers.
“We believe that our new theatrical film brings a bold new take on Godzilla that will energize and mobilize fans on a worldwide basis and like never before,” said Joel Chiodi, Executive Vice President, Theatrical Marketing, Legendary Entertainment. “This licensing program is an augmentation of the filmed entertainment experience, and while it will rally the powerful base, Godzilla the movie will introduce a whole new generation of fans to this franchise.”
“With an impressive and long-standing legacy that is known universally across all formats and multiple generations, Godzilla is one of the most iconic monsters to ever hit the silver screen,” said Brad Globe, President, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. “As the ‘King of Monsters’ prepares to take the world by storm, we are working with our licensing partners on behalf of Legendary to create products that bring to life the spirit of epic adventures and imagination captured by this much-anticipated film.”
Bringing the monster-tail to life, Warner Bros. Consumer Products, in partnership with Legendary Pictures, has developed a roaring roster of licensees ready to create product in a variety of categories including toys and figures, apparel and accessories, costumes, publishing and more. Global master toy partner Bandai will release action figures and play sets inspired by the spectacular adventure film.
Additional licensees developing product to support the larger-than-life tentpole film include NECA with gifts and novelties; Jakks Pacific with large scale figures; Bioworld with on-trend apparel; and Sideshow Collectibles with authentic statues. Trevco will also release a line of t-shirts and apparel, while Rubie’s will design Godzilla costumes that are sure to delight children and adult fans.