Legendary Taps JAKKS Pacific as Master Toy Licensee for the Upcoming Theatrical Release of Warcraft®
MALIBU, Calif. -- February 12, 2015 -- Legendary will bring one of the most popular game series of all-time to the big screen with the live-action feature film, Warcraft. Leading U.S. toymaker JAKKS Pacific, Inc. has secured the Master Toy license for the highly-anticipated release, which hits theatres in March of 2016. This comprehensive agreement grants JAKKS the rights to manufacture, distribute and market action figures in all scales, basic and feature plush, playsets, role-play items and Halloween costumes and accessories. Based on Blizzard Entertainment's Warcraft universe, which includes the acclaimed multiplayer online role-playing game World of Warcraft®, the film is directed by Duncan Jones (Moon, Source Code) and stars Travis Fimmel, Paula Patton, Ben Foster, Dominic Cooper, and Toby Kebbell.
"We have a strong partnership with Legendary and we are eager to build upon our relationship as Master Toy partner for this incredible film. Blizzard's Warcraft series has been a favorite among gamers for years and we look forward to bringing a new generation of fans and collectors into the fold," said Stephen Berman, Chief Executive Officer, JAKKS Pacific. "We will focus on creating detailed action figures and role-play items to give collectors exactly what they want – high quality, realistic characters and role play items from the film."
"JAKKS Pacific is an industry leader and a valued partner. We saw what they were able to do in our reboot of the Godzilla franchise last year and are thrilled to tap into their expertise to bring Warcraft to life in the toy, and collector and action figure world," said Emily Castel, CMO of Legendary. "This new line of Warcraft products will give fans and collectors the opportunity to bring home their favorite characters and interact with them on a whole new level."
JAKKS plans to launch its Warcraft product line in early 2016 at retailers nationwide to coincide with the March 11, 2016, release of the feature film.
About Warcraft
Legendary's WARCRAFT is a 3D epic adventure of world-colliding conflict based upon Blizzard Entertainment's globally-renowned universe. Directed by Duncan Jones (Moon, Source Code), written by Charles Leavitt with a rewrite by Duncan Jones. The film, a Legendary Pictures, Blizzard Entertainment and Atlas Entertainment production, is produced by Charles Roven, Thomas Tull, Jon Jashni and Alex Gartner. Stuart Fenegan, Jillian Share, Brent O'Connor, and Blizzard Entertainment's Michael Morhaime and Paul Sams serve as executive producers. Rob Pardo and Blizzard Entertainment's Chris Metzen and Nick Carpenter co-produce with Atlas's Rebecca Steel Roven. The film will be released by Universal Pictures March 11, 2016.
About Legendary
Legendary Entertainment is a leading media company with film (Legendary Pictures), television and digital (Legendary Television and Digital Media) and comics (Legendary Comics) divisions dedicated to owning, producing and delivering content to mainstream audiences with a targeted focus on the powerful fandom demographic. Through complete or joint ownership, Legendary has built a library of marquee media properties and has established itself as a trusted brand which consistently delivers high-quality, commercial entertainment including some of the world's most popular intellectual property. In aggregate, Legendary Pictures-associated productions have realized grosses of more than $10 billion worldwide at the box office. To learn more visit: www.legendary.com.
About Blizzard Entertainment
Best known for blockbuster hits including World of Warcraft® and the Warcraft®, StarCraft®, and Diablo® franchises, Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. (www.blizzard.com), a division of Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ: ATVI), is a premier developer and publisher of entertainment software renowned for creating some of the industry's most critically acclaimed games. Blizzard Entertainment's track record includes nineteen #1 games and multiple Game of the Year awards. The company's online-gaming service, Battle.net®, is one of the largest in the world, with millions of active players.
About JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ: JAKK) is a leading designer and marketer of toys and consumer products with a wide range of products that feature popular brands and children's toy licenses. JAKKS' diverse portfolio includes Action Figures, Electronics, Dolls, Dress-Up, Role Play, Halloween Costumes, Kids Furniture, Vehicles, Plush, Art Activity Kits, Seasonal Products, Infant/Pre-School, Construction Toys, Ride-On Vehicles, Wagons, Inflatable Environments and Tents, Impulse Toys and Pet Products sold under various proprietary brands including JAKKS Pacific®, Road Champs®, Funnoodle®, JAKKS Pets™, Plug It In & Play TV Games™, Kids Only!®, Tollytots®, Disguise®, Moose Mountain® and Maui®. JAKKS is an award-winning licensee of several hundred nationally and internationally known trademarks including Nickelodeon®, Warner Bros.®, DC Comics and Saban's Power Rangers®. DreamPlay Toys, LLC is a joint venture between JAKKS Pacific, Inc. and NantWorks LLC to develop, market and sell toys and related consumer products incorporating NantWorks' proprietary iD recognition technology. www.jakks.com