Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) today announced that it has entered into a licensing agreement for Disney and Pixar’s “Lightyear,” the origin story of “Toy Story’s” Buzz Lightyear. Through the agreement, Mattel has global (excluding Japan) licensing rights to develop a line of toys for the “Lightyear” franchise, including action figures, playsets, role play, vehicles, preschool, games, plush, value figures, novelty, and more. The collection is expected to launch at retailers across the globe beginning June 2022.
The new licensing agreement builds on Mattel and Disney’s existing licensing relationships for Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story” and “Cars” franchises, among others.
“At Mattel, we treat our licensors’ properties as if they were our own,” said 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.”
“We’re thrilled to further our ongoing collaboration with Mattel and bring even more products and experiences to life that delight millions of fans around the world through Pixar Animation Studios’ unique brand of storytelling,” said Josh Silverman, EVP Global Third-Party Commercialization, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. “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.”
“Lightyear”is a sci-fi action-adventure and the definitive origin story of Buzz Lightyear (voice of Chris Evans) – the hero who inspired the toy. The film reveals how a young test pilot became the Space Ranger that we all know him to be today. “Lightyear,” directed by Angus MacLane (co-director of “Finding Dory”), will be released in theaters June 17, 2022.
