Introduced in 1986 by Those Characters From Cleveland and manufactured by Mattel, Popples launched with nine characters. It ran for two years as a toy line and animated series. Over the years, Popples changed hands, eventually landing in the Hasbro portfolio. Last year, The Loyal Subjects (TLS) inked a deal with Hasbro to relaunch legacy brands, including M.A.S.K., My Buddy, Jem, My Pet Monster, and other fondly remembered 1980s toys, including Popples.
As the brand returns to the toy aisle in time for its 40th anniversary, TLS Creative Director Dina Al Rifai sat down with The Toy Book to discuss its relaunch.
The Toy Book: What drew TLS to the Popples brand, and how did the collaboration with Hasbro come about?
Dina Al Rifai: At TLS, we’re all about nostalgia — bringing back the joy of childhood memories in a fresh and exciting way for today’s collectors and fans. Popples are an iconic part of the ’80s toy landscape; there’s something undeniably heartwarming about the magic of “poppin” them in and out. Whether it was your first Popple or your favorite character, they left a lasting impression.
Our collaboration with Hasbro was part of a broader effort to revisit beloved heritage brands with modern sensibilities. Popples felt like a perfect match — full of heart, character, and that whimsical transformation play pattern that still feels relevant and fun today.
TB: Can you share more about the design process behind the new plush, especially how you balanced nostalgia with updated features and materials?
DAR: We approached the design process with a deep respect for what made Popples so special in the first place. Our goal was to retain its instantly recognizable charm with the bold colors, playful faces, and of course, the signature poppable pouch with ultra cute ball tail — while making thoughtful updates for today’s market. The primary evolution is the scale, where we’ve made a size adjustment to better suit modern shelf presence and retail feasibility. It’s all about honoring the past while making it work beautifully in the present.
TB: Will additional Popples characters/colorways be released, or is the focus solely on the core character of P.C. (Pretty Cool) for now?
DAR: We’ve started with P.C. and will soon expand into Party and Pancake. The rest of the gang will be coming out soon, so stay tuned!
P.C. POPPLE – LARGE PLUSH (LIMITED EDITION EXCLUSIVE)
These totally huggable, totally '80s, super soft Popples are back in a big way. The 11-inch plush is inspired by the original Popples, featuring bright, bold colors, a signature "pop", and a con exclusive patch.
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POPPLES — PARTY AND PANCAKE
Kids will have a ball with these plushies! Like the original '80s toys, these adorable plush pals flip and fold into fuzzy balls of fun. For an extra touch of retro, each cuddly character features metallic fabric accents and sparkling textured hearts on their feet.
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POPPLES 11-INCH PLUSH
These colorful, furry creatures from the 1980s are back. Resembling marsupial teddy bears with pom-pom tails, Popples are perfect for both original and new fans.
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Stay on the Pulse of Play!
A version of this feature first appeared in the 2025 LA Fall Toy Preview Issue of The Toy Book. Read the full issue here!
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