Mattel inked a new, global licensing deal to produce toys based on Disney and Pixar‘s upcoming film, Lightyear.
Created by Pixar Animation Studios, Lightyear is the origin story of Toy Story‘s Buzz Lightyear — the character, not the toy. Under the new deal — an extension of Mattel and Disney’s existing Pixar collaboration — Mattel is developing Lightyear-inspired action figures, playsets, role-play items, vehicles, novelty items, value figures, and a range of items in the preschool, games, and plush categories.
“At Mattel, we treat our licensors’ properties as if they were our own,” says 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.”
Lightyear is described as “a sci-fi action-adventure and the definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear — the hero who inspired the toy.” Angus MacLane (co-director of Finding Dory) is helming the film while Captain America‘s Chris Evans provides the voice of the young test pilot that becomes the famous Space Ranger.
“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,” says Josh Silverman, executive vice president global third-party commercialization, Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products.
Lightyear is set to hit theaters on June 17, 2022.
