The Teletubbies are leaving the Tubbytronic Superdome for greener, international pastures.
WildBrain is spearheading a global expansion of the franchise with new licensing collaborations brokered by WildBrain CPLG.
“As we drive towards the Teletubbies’ 30th anniversary, we’re focused on bringing ‘big hugs’ with big ambitions to fans around the world,” says Erin Morris, VP, Global Franchise Strategy & Retail. “We have great plans in the months and years ahead, with more new content in development, fantastic licensing partners signing up in all major territories, and celebratory brand activations.”
WildBrain plans to grow the brand in North American, Latin American, Asian, and European markets.
A digital game, Teletubbies: Custard Chaos, launches on The Sandbox, an online gaming platform, in May. Custard Chaos is a nostalgic and story-driven digital experience from Smobler, a studio in Singapore.
A line of Vibrancy Series Figures launched at Pop Mart this spring in more than 500 stores worldwide. A meet-and-greet was held at the store’s flagship store in Shanghai, and fans were also offered a chance for exclusive phone calls with the characters. Big Hugs were aplenty in Japan with items at Thank You Mart and Family Mart. Village Vanguard hosted a pop-up in multiple retail locations.
In Korea, Laugher launched a streetwear collab; Colley offered food and beverage, toys, stationery, and beauty items. Missha also sold a beauty line, featuring themed ampoules and eyeshadow palettes. The brand expects to launch more items this spring and in Europe. Bbyong Bbyong expects high demand for its plush collection, which will launch later this year.
South Korean streetwear brand Laugher collaborated on a line of T-shirts and accessories. | Source: WildBrain
Missha’s cosmetic line included ampoules and palettes. | Source: WildBrain
In North America, Loungefly, Cakeworthy, and The Loyal Subjects are satisfying fans’ demand for apparel, plush, and accessories. Loungefly’s collection consists of four fuzzy, faux fur light-up backpacks, shipping at the end of the month. Cakeworthy’s collection includes flannels, sweatshirts, T-shirts, and tote bags. Five Below will carry plush and collectibles from The Loyal Subjects this summer. Stores will also stock reversible plush from Tee Turtle.
Drag personality Trixie Mattel is launching a collab this summer through her line Trixie Cosmetics. The characters appeared on RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars last summer. In an episode of the reality competition’s after-show, The Pit Stop, Trixie Mattel joked, “Po threw the first brick at Stone Wall.”
Fans and kids can purchase branded Warmies this fall. (WildBrain has also licensed toddler favorite In the Night Garden for this collection.) The microwaveable weighted plush will line shelves in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
The franchise turns 30 in 2027. Visit WildBrain at Licensing Expo this month at booth No. J206 and online at wildbrain.com.
