Elon Musk and Mattel are blasting off with another collaboration following the success of Tesla-inspired toys and collectibles over the past few years.
Musk’s SpaceX inked a multi-year licensing deal with Mattel under which the El Segundo, California-based toymaker will create new products geared toward kids and collectors alike.
“We take pride in our ability to create products and experiences that honor cultural moments and inspire humankind,” says Nick Karamanos, senior vice president of entertainment partnerships, Mattel.
Beginning next year, Mattel will release SpaceX-inspired toys under its Matchbox brand in addition to a range of out-of-this-world collectibles that will debut on its direct-to-consumer (D2C) platform, Mattel Creations.
“At SpaceX, we believe that a future in which humanity is out among the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one in which we are not,” says SpaceX Vice President Brian Bjelde. “We look forward to working with Mattel to help inspire the next generation of space explorers and enthusiasts.”
Space is not a new frontier for Mattel.
The company launched its Major Matt Mason action figures and Astronaut Barbie dolls during the height of the space race in the 1960s and ’70s. Since that time, Mattel has continued to release space-themed offerings across its Barbie and Hot Wheels brands in collaboration with NASA.
