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Opinion: Box Office is Back, But Blockbusters Are Not

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief This has been the year of the Big Flop, as multiple Hollywood 'tentpole' blockbusters have failed to break even at the box office. That's led some—including yours truly—to fear the end of the cinema experience is near, but there's another explanation that actually makes more sense. When you actually look at the data for overall box office … [Read more...] about Opinion: Box Office is Back, But Blockbusters Are Not

Sink Your Teeth Into Shark Week Licensed Collection

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products is diving into the deep end to bring fans new merchandise to celebrate “Shark Week” 2023. The popular event will be airing from Sunday, July 23 to Saturday, July 29 on Discovery Channel and will also be available to stream on Max. Reaching a milestone 35th year, “Shark Week” is … [Read more...] about Sink Your Teeth Into Shark Week Licensed Collection

Feature: Iger Promises Major Change as Disney Contract Extended

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Walt Disney Company has extended CEO Bob Iger’s contract by two years, to the end of 2026. The 72-year-old Iger originally said he would only come back to the role for a maximum of two years. However, Iger has said there are issues to deal with at Disney that will take longer to address.  “I think what I’m saying is it’s time,” … [Read more...] about Feature: Iger Promises Major Change as Disney Contract Extended

Jazwares to Host First San Diego Comic-Con Panel

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The rapidly growing toyco Jazwares will host its first-ever San Diego Comic-Con panel when the ultimate pop culture event returns this month. On Saturday, July 22, fans are encouraged to join industry leader and collectible connoisseur Jeremy Padawer as he moderates a candid conversation on all that’s hot from Jazwares in 2023 and … [Read more...] about Jazwares to Host First San Diego Comic-Con Panel

Royal Horticultural Society Licenses Threadbare Apparel Collection

The first range—designed for women—will launch in time for RHS Flower Show Tatton Park in July By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has announced the appointment of Threadbare, a family-run fashion house, to produce a range of apparel. The new lines will include apparel collections for women, men, children and—in a first for the … [Read more...] about Royal Horticultural Society Licenses Threadbare Apparel Collection

Yu-Gi-Oh Racking Up Licensing Agreements for Anniversary

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The popular Yu-Gi-Oh! trading card franchise has commemorated its 25th Anniversary celebration with four new licensing agreements. Brand owner Konami Cross Media says the deals will bring an array of exclusive licensed products to market in honor of the milestone, ranging from apparel, back-to-school accessories, streetwear, and metallic … [Read more...] about Yu-Gi-Oh Racking Up Licensing Agreements for Anniversary

Kartoon To Launch New Comics From Never-Before-Seen Stan Lee Creations

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Kartoon Studios is launching a new line called Stan Lee Comics, based on never-before-released stories and characters created by Stan Lee. While Stan Lee was the visionary behind Marvel Comics for many years, Kartoon Studios is the controlling partner of Stan Lee Universe, LLC, and therefore controls the IP that Lee created, but was … [Read more...] about Kartoon To Launch New Comics From Never-Before-Seen Stan Lee Creations

Court Denies Injunction on Microsoft Acquisition of Activision

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief A court in California has denied the Federal Trade Commission's request for an injunction on Microsoft's acquisition of Activision. The software giant announced on Jan. 18 this year that the parties had agreed to the terms of a deal. It would see Microsoft acquiring Activision Blizzard for $95 per share, in an all-cash transaction valued at … [Read more...] about Court Denies Injunction on Microsoft Acquisition of Activision

Experiential Licensing: The Latest on Disney and Mattel Adventure Park

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Experiential licensing is back in a big way, as Mattel and Disney invest heavily in theme parks in Arizona and California. Disney is now dropping a cool billion dollars on its properties in Anaheim, California, while Mattel is preparing for the opening of Mattel Adventure Park in Glendale, Arizona. The story on Disney wouldn't be … [Read more...] about Experiential Licensing: The Latest on Disney and Mattel Adventure Park