Falcon’s Creative Group to develop Dragon Ball theme park

Qiddiya Investment Company and Toei Animation have selected Falcon’s Creative Group to bring global cultural manga and anime phenomenon to life in an immersive theme park.

Falcon’s Creative Group, a division of Falcon’s Beyond Global has announced it is the master planner, attraction designer and creative guardian of the first-ever Dragon Ball theme park.

Unveiled at AnimeJapan on 22nd March, the Dragon Ball theme park experience will span over 500,000 square metres and will be a key part of the highly anticipated Qiddiya City, the world’s first city built for play near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Featuring seven different themed lands that recreate various iconic locales from the original series, such as Kame House, Capsule Corporation and Beerus’s Planet, the Dragon Ball theme park will be developed and built with creative oversight from Falcon’s Creative Group, which will play a critical role in bringing the project to life in new and immersive ways. Park guests will be able to experience the world of Dragon Ball from the first Dragon Ball series to Dragon Ball Super.

“It has been a true source of pride for our company to serve as a lead creative consultant for the Dragon Ball Theme Park,” said Cecil D. Magpuri, CEO of Falcon’s Beyond. “Qiddiya Investment Company, Toei Animation and our team hold a shared vision to reimagine the world of entertainment and delight consumers in new, innovative ways. This theme park will do just that.”

Dragon Ball theme park will feature five state-of-the-art rides as part of a lineup of 30+ attractions set against the backdrop of the Tuwaiq mountains. At the heart of the park is the iconic Eternal Dragon, a 70-metre-high Shenron that will house the park’s signature rollercoaster ride. The park’s themed restaurants and adjacent hotels aim to allow guests to further immerse themselves in the world of Dragon Ball.

In addition to the Dragon Ball theme park, Falcon’s Creative Group is supporting the creative development of multiple entertainment experiences within Qiddiya City, including master planning the Qiddiya Water Theme Park and supporting development for the world’s first Gaming and Esports district, also set to be part of the destination.

Licensing Expo opens upgraded meetings platform

Meetings are now available to book in advance of Licensing Expo, while visitors can also discover new IP and search for the latest brands exhibiting at the show.

Licensing Expo has officially opened its new and enhanced Meetings Platform for the upcoming annual event, which takes place from 21st-23rd May at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

The Meetings Platform, first launched in 2016, is a critical part of the Licensing Expo experience, facilitating connections ahead of the event and helping visitors and exhibitors to maximise their time and productivity while at the show. Sponsored by The Brand Liaison, the platform boasts significant upgrades for 2024, making it easier than ever for customers to search for specific brands and intellectual property (IP), find companies and individuals, and book meetings.

“Licensing Expo is the premier meeting place for the entire industry, so it is unsurprising that last year there were over 250,000 searches and more than 6,800 meetings booked via the Meetings Platform, the highest to date,” said Anna Knight, senior vice president of the Global Licensing Group. “This year’s enriched platform further deepens the pre-show experience, guiding meetings and connections with ease. The platform is also the best discovery tool for finding unique and emerging IP from all over the world, so you are not just relying on the brands you already know. Over 5,000 brands will be showcased at this year’s event, providing something truly for every product and retail space.”

Once registered, visitors and exhibitors will gain immediate access to the platform and can start booking meetings before schedules fill up. Augmentations this year include new search capabilities by geographic location and IP category; session filters for first time attendees and new exhibitors; calendar syncing; the ability to view the contact information of company representatives prior to the start of the Expo and much more.

Licensing Expo participants may also purchase opening night party tickets directly through the platform and add seminars and keynotes to their calendar, making it the ultimate planning tool for a valuable visit.

“Finally, all in one place show planning!” enthused Steve Heller, Brand Licensing associate at The Brand Liaison. “No more multiple calendars for all our meetings – navigating personal inboxes, company schedules, appointments, seminars, matchmaking and managing different time zones…the new Licensing Expo Meeting Platform solves all of this and more.”

Over 300 exhibiting companies including Paramount, Lego, Warner Bros. Discovery, Coca-Cola, The Walt Disney Company, BBC Studios, Beanstalk, Mattel, Crunchyroll, Minecraft, Air Force, Amazon MGM Studios, CD Projekt Red, Airstream, Laika Studios, NASCAR and Nintendo will be exhibiting, and are actively looking for new connections to advance their businesses.

Visitors are strongly encouraged to register early and leverage the platform in advance of the show with regular weekly updates. To gain access to the Meetings Platform, users must be registered for Licensing Expo. Visit www.licensingexpo.com to sign-up and access the most up to date list.

Beetlejuice returns with new teaser trailer

The new Beetlejuice Beetlejuice trailer has dropped, with original cast members returning for the sequel, including Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara.

BeetlejuiceTim Burton and Michael Keaton reunite for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, the long-awaited sequel to Tim’s award-winning Beetlejuice.

Michael returns to his iconic role alongside Winona Ryder as Lydia Deetz and Catherine O’Hara as Delia Deetz, with new cast members Justin Theroux, Monica Bellucci, Arthur Conti, Willem Dafoe and Jenna Ortega as Lydia’s daughter, Astrid.

After an unexpected family tragedy, three generations of the Deetz family return home to Winter River. Still haunted by Beetlejuice, Lydia’s life is turned upside down when her rebellious teenage daughter, Astrid, discovers the mysterious model of the town in the attic and the portal to the Afterlife is accidentally opened. With trouble brewing in both realms, it’s only a matter of time until someone says Beetlejuice’s name three times and the mischievous demon returns to unleash his very own brand of mayhem.

Tim Burton directs from a screenplay by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar and a story by Gough & Millar and Seth Grahame-Smith, based on characters created by Michael McDowell and Larry Wilson.

A Warner Bros. Pictures presentation, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice will have a cinema release on 6th September, 2024 in the US, and internationally beginning 4th September 2024. It will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.

To watch the movie trailer, click here.

Walker Books creates We’re Going on a Bear Hunt trail

Walker Books has teamed up with Wild in Art for the We’re Going on a Bear Hunt art trail set to visit Kingston and Birmingham this spring.

Global art producer Wild in Art and Walker Books are set to embark on a creative partnership in 2024, following their first hugely successful collaboration on the We’re Going on a Bear Hunt art trail in Leeds during summer last year.

The partnership will see ten bear sculptures visit the Greater London town of Kingston for a trail delivered alongside Kingston First from 29th March to the 7th June, inviting residents, workers and visitors to explore Kingston’s streets, parks and landmarks in search of them, before travelling up the M6 to Birmingham city centre where the sculptures will reside between 1st July to 30th September as part of a trail funded by Central BID Birmingham, with more to be announced later in the year.

Independent research into the impact of the Leeds Bear Hunt found that the trail delivered a direct economic benefit of £5.09m for the city with a gross value added of £2.3m. More than 147,060 residents and visitors actively engaged with the trail with many thousands more exposed to the trail during the nine weeks the Bear sculptures were on display, and this popularity led to Wild in Art and Walker Books taking their creative relationship to the next level.

For the Kingston and Birmingham Bear Hunts, the sculptures have been designed by ten different artists, with five used in the Leeds trail and five brand-new bears showcasing never-before-seen artwork that captures light-hearted and thought-provoking themes, including diversity, sustainability, climate change, biodiversity and more.

The art trail is inspired by the award-wining animation, based on the much-loved picture book We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen, and was Wild in Art’s first collaboration with Walker Books and Leeds Hospitals Charity.

Wild in Art and Walker Books are looking to recreate the positive impact that the Bear Hunt had in Leeds at more locations around the country.

Pindy O’Brien, international licensing and market development director, said: “Wild in Art truly excels in creating captivating sculpture trails like no other. Its exceptional work in Leeds speaks volumes, and we couldn’t be more excited to collaborate to breathe life into our storybook in numerous towns and cities.”

Charlie Langhorne, managing director and co-founder of Wild in Art, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Walker Books to bring the much-loved We’re Going on a Bear Hunt to life through a 3D canvas. The partnership is a great endorsement of the cultural benefits of our events, which bring fun, free, art galleries to communities and unique opportunities for artists and brands to reach new audiences.”

Star-studded Peppa Pig wedding special to air 25th March

Featuring Katy Perry as the voice of Ms. Leopard and Orlando Bloom as Mr. Racoon, the new special celebrates Peppa’s 20th anniversary with the show’s first-ever wedding.

On Monday 25th March, the Peppa Pig Wedding Special debut episode, featuring Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry, will air at 9am ET/PT, 1pm GMT on Nickelodeon.

This will be the first episode in a 3-part special airing that week as part of Nickelodeon’s Peppa Pig Wedding Week, where fans can tune in from 25th – 28th March (9am ET/PT, 1pm GMT) to celebrate the iconic animated character’s 20th anniversary with the series’ first-ever wedding.

Joining the beloved Peppa Pig franchise as guest characters and voice stars, dress maker Ms. Leopard (voiced by Katy Perry) and jeweller Mr. Raccoon (voiced by Orlando Bloom) assist with preparation for the wedding scene. Kids and their families can jump into the adventure as Mr. Bull and Mrs. Cow surprise everyone with their wedding announcement and everyone rallies to make it memorable.

The Peppa Pig pre-school animated television series has been airing for 20 years across ten seasons in over 180 territories. Globally successful, the brand connects with consumers across every touchpoint, from TV to theme parks to retail. As a lifelong friend, Peppa Pig encourages kids to jump in together and explore the world around them, while helping give kids the confidence to treat every first step as a new adventure, from the everyday to the epic.

To see the latest on Peppa Pig, visit YouTube, and find the show on social media on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

New Beyblade series to launch for 25th anniversary

ADK Emotions NY and T-Licensing have announced the global launch of the new Beyblade series during its 25th anniversary.

On National Beyblade Day (21st March), also known as 3-2-1 Day, ADK Emotions NY and T-Licensing revealed the global launch of Beyblade X. After a successful premiere in Asian territories in 2023, Beyblade X will showcase new animation and exclusive experiences for Beyblade fans. Hasbro, a long-standing partner, will release Generation Four products worldwide later this year.

“Bey-fans around the world have embraced 3-2-1 Day, and this year, we’re especially thrilled to celebrate with the generations of fans as we kick off our 25th anniversary,” said a representative from ADK Emotions NY. “With the highly-anticipated US launch of the Beyblade X animation series this summer, Bladers will be ready to battle like never before.”

Other Beyblade projects in 2024 include the global launch of the Beyblade X animation series, which will premiere in summer 2024, and the new Beyblade X toy line from Hasbro, which introduces the X-Celerator Rail gear innovation. In addition, Bey-fans can look forward to the expanded availability of Beyblade Park on Roblox and exclusive content across the brand’s social media channels.

This summer, Bey-fans can experience the next generation of Beyblade toys. Beyblade X offers Tops identical in weight, feel and performance across Hasbro and Takara Tomy, along with additional Hasbro Tops that meet the same high standard. The new line features the Beyblade X Xtreme Battle Set, and includes everything needed to play and compete, with the Xtreme Beystadium arena, two right-spinning Tops and two launchers with ripcords.

The Xtreme Beystadium features the new X-Celerator Rail Gear System. When the gears of the Top engage the stadium rail, the Top can accelerate into an Xtreme Dash around the Battle Zone.

The three interchangeable blades, ratchets and bit layers of Beyblade X Tops are easy to assemble and reassemble with a quick twist and two clicks. Fans can use the two launchers to unleash Tops, or mix and match the interchangeable pieces of other Beyblade X Tops to create custom Bey. Other Beyblade tops are sold separately, subject to availability.

Fans can take their Beyblade skills to the next level and compete in digital battles by scanning the code on Beyblade X Tops to battle in the Beyblade X app and unleash the Tops in a virtual battle with other Bladers worldwide.

Also launching this summer, the new Beyblade series will introduce new characters among the animation that Beyblade pioneered 25 years ago.

Fans can extend the celebration of 3-2-1 Day and join tournaments in select locations in the US and Canada to battle with the best Bladers and win exclusive prizes. Tournament participants can also test out the new Beyblade X Tops before they hit retail shelves.

With the successful launch of Beyblade Park on Roblox last year, with more than four million visits worldwide, the land will undergo a major renewal, simultaneous to the global launch of the metaverse world.

Click here to watch the trailer for Beyblade X.

Rubies welcomes Tom and Jerry to toddler dress-up range

Kids will be able to dress up as either Tom the cat or Jerry the mouse from the iconic comedy animation first created way back in 1940.

Marking the next step in the evolution of its partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products, Rubies is launching new costumes inspired by the iconic comedy animation, Tom and Jerry.

Rubies’ Tom and Jerry toddler costumes both feature a comfortable plush jumpsuit with a detachable tail and headpiece, allowing little ones to jump into the action-packed adventures of a clever mouse or scheming tom-cat all year round.

Fran Hales, head of Portfolio and Marketing at Rubies, commented: “We know Tom and Jerry has been loved for generations and is one of the most well-known animations in the world, staying this way for over 80 years. We are delighted to introduce this iconic cat-and-mouse duo to our portfolio.”

Rubies’ officially licensed Tom and Jerry toddler costumes are available now from uk.rubiesmasquerade.com for trade customers. Readers are advised to contact a member of the Rubie’s Customer Service team to find out more.

The announcement follows on from the unveiling of a new collaboration with Care Bears for the role-play and dress up specialist. In February, Rubies announced the launch of the new Care Bears costume collection for EMEA. The vibrant collection features iconic characters including Cheer Bear, Good Luck Bear and Grumpy Bear, which are now available as Comfywear onesies.

“Our new Care Bears costume collection adds another fan favourite to our portfolio. Many of us grew up loving these beloved bears, and the new range adds modern style to the nostalgia of the characters,” said Fran Hales, head of Portfolio and Marketing at Rubies, at the time of the announcement. “We are looking forward to adding more Comfywear Onesies to the range, offering the perfect mix of costume and apparel for consumers.”

Ravensburger reveals next Disney Lorcana set: Ursula’s Return

Ravensburger has revealed the addition of Ursula’s Return to its Disney Lorcana Trading Card Game line-up along with details about the game’s new global challenge.

Ursula’s Return, the fourth set of the Disney Lorcana TCG, introduces new Disney characters and evolved game mechanics while also continuing the story told over the first three sets. The Illumineer’s Quest Deep Trouble is a brand-new, cooperative game that will have players facing Ursula in an epic battle for the first time. Both products will be released first at local game stores and Disney Parks on 17th May, followed by mass market retailers and The Disney Store retail locations on 31st May.

In this new set, the ruthless and power-hungry sea witch Ursula — who was freed from the Illuminary in the second set, Rise of the Floodborn — is ready to put her malevolent plans into motion and take over Lorcana with only the players and their trusted glimmers standing in her way. Ursula’s Return will introduce new franchises, beloved characters and new gameplay evolutions and reveal more of the story of Lorcana and the Illumineers summoned there.

While additional details on mechanics and franchises are set to be released in the future, Ravensburger has confirmed the arrival of highly anticipated characters, including Bruno and the rest of the Madrigal family from Disney’s Encanto as well as iconic characters Disney’s Sorcerer Apprentice Mickey Mouse and Disney’s Yen Sid from Fantasia.

The Ursula’s Return set will include two starter decks featuring combinations of Amethyst & Amber or Sapphire & Steel cards (£17.99) and Booster Packs (£4.99). A new Illumineer’s Trove (£49.99) and play accessories, including card sleeves (£8.99). Deck boxes (£5.49) and playmats (£17.99) will also be available. All cards in this set can be used to customise or update existing Disney Lorcana TCG decks or played alongside the previously released sets, The First Chapter, Rise of the Floodborn and Into the Inklands.

The game offers four difficulty levels ranging from easy to extreme, with each level featuring rules variations that make the play experience unique. Endlessly replayable, the game includes everything needed for 1-2 players and can be expanded up to four players with additional decks.

Illumineers across the globe will soon be able to compete in the Disney Lorcana Challenge, a new competitive event circuit for the Disney Lorcana TCG. Launching on 25th May, the Disney Lorcana Challenge offers players the chance to win exclusive prizes, including an extended art Dragon Fire promo card for all participants. Players can also earn other extended art versions of popular cards from previous releases. The top four players at each event will receive serialised, extended art versions of Mickey Mouse – Brave Little Tailor. The Disney Lorcana Challenge launches with events in Atlanta, Georgia, USA and in Lille, France. The circuit will feature side events such as Disney Villainous tournaments, which were featured at Gen Con and PAX Unplugged last year. Head to DisneyLorcana.com for details on the full schedule, rules, tickets and any other updates as they’re available.

Mattel Adventure Park Kansas City set for 2026 opening

To be located in Kansas City, Kansas, the second theme park from Mattel and Epic Resort Destinations will feature Hot Wheels roller coasters, a Barbie rooftop restaurant and more.

Kansas CityMattel, through a licensing partnership with Epic Resort Destinations, has announced plans for a second Mattel Adventure Park location in an all-new entertainment resort destination in Bonner Springs, Kansas. The family-friendly themed attraction is set to open in 2026, with plans to break ground later this year.

Mattel Adventure Park Kansas City will offer the highly anticipated attractions of Mattel Adventure Park Glendale, Arizona, including fully themed Hot Wheels roller coasters such as the Hot Wheels Bone Shaker: The Ultimate Ride and the Hot Wheels Twin Mill Racer.

There is plenty in store for park guests from other fan-favourite Mattel brands, including the Thomas & Friends: World of Sodor, which includes five family-friendly experiential attractions and rides, such as a dedicated indoor play space for little adventurers.

Mattel Adventure Park Kansas City will also be home to the larger-than-life Barbie Beach House, featuring an interactive retail experience where fans can build their customised Barbie set in the Barbie Dream Closet Experience, which uses hologram technology to bring Barbie to life right before guests’ eyes. The attraction also includes a unique, Barbie-themed flying theatre and The Barbie Rooftop restaurant and bar.

At He-Man vs. Skeletor Laser Tag, Masters of the Universe fans can fight for Eternia in a massive arena in the likeness of the iconic Castle Grayskull fortress. Mattel Adventure Park will additionally offer a mini golf experience featuring 18 holes inspired by Magic 8 Ball, Pictionary and other beloved Mattel games, plus a larger-than-life custom climb Uno structure.

“Mattel Adventure Park Kansas City will bring our iconic brands to life with epic roller coasters, family-friendly attractions, an immersive theatre, themed dining and so much more,” said Josh Silverman, chief franchise officer at Mattel. “We are thrilled to expand these themed entertainment destinations and invite new fans to experience the world of Mattel in all-new ways as they create lasting memories with loved ones.”

Mark Cornell, president of Epic Resort Destinations, added: “We are bringing Mattel’s powerhouse brands to life through state-of-the-art technology and engaging experiences. This new destination is sure to provide infinite fun for the whole family.”

For updates and a sneak peek of the attractions families can expect to see in Kansas City, visit www.matteladventurepark.com.

Paramount to bring Avatar: The Last Airbender to Roblox

Launching in summer 2024, Paramount Game Studios is set to bring Nickelodeon’s Avatar: The Last Airbender to Roblox.

ParamountAvatar: The Last Airbender Game Studios is bringing a battleground-style experience to the Roblox platform this summer, based on Nickelodeon’s Avatar: The Last Airbender franchise. The first official Avatar experience on the platform is developed by Looty Games, an established Roblox developer studio and veteran of the battlegrounds genre, as part of the Roblox Creator Fund, which sets out to accelerate projects with innovative gameplay, ambitious visual designs and creative ideas.

Bringing the iconic series’ bending abilities to the battlegrounds genre, fans can create their own bender, master their element and compete in the Avatarverse. Within an arena environment that will be fast paced, frenetic and full of intense energy, bending takes the experience to the next level as users employ water, earth, fire and air moves rooted in traditional martial arts.

“Avatar: The Last Airbender has created a rich universe that generations of fans want to immerse themselves in, and Roblox allows users to have that experience,” said Doug Rosen, SVP, Games and Emerging Media, Paramount. “We’re thrilled to be able to work with Looty Games and Roblox to deepen fans’ connection to the franchise in this virtual world.”

The game will launch in summer 2024 on Roblox, with an official title and more details to be revealed in the coming months.

To watch the teaser trailer for Avatar x Roblox, click here.