By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
World of EPI has announced a collaboration with Disney and Marvel to create ethnically-inclusive fashion dolls, collectible figurines, and accessories.
The upcoming line of licensed consumer products will feature characters from the new Disney+ series “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder” and the upcoming “Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur” series on Disney Channel.
World of EPI will create a series of 10-inch fashion dolls with rooted hair, collectible figurines, poseable plush, role play accessories, and more based on the diverse characters. Each doll and figurine will exemplify the distinct characteristics of each character, and celebrate diversity, self-love, and empowerment.
“It speaks volumes that Disney has collaborated with us on these high-profile projects,” said Dr. Lisa Williams, founder of World of EPI. “Our mission is to create dolls so children of all ethnicities and colors can grow up seeing a true representation of their beauty. What a dream to create licensed dolls and toys for these powerhouses Disney and Marvel properties. Together we’re changing how Black and Brown children everywhere embrace their own beauty and build their confidence.”
The World of Epi is a growing multi-million dollar powerhouse and leading multicultural toy manufacturing and design firm. In 2003, Dr. Lisa Williams founded the company to create dolls so children of all ethnicities can grow up seeing their beauty from the start.
The company creates unique sculpts that are true pieces of art, created to empower all children. The characters have beautiful full lips, custom-blended skin tones and representative articulated bodies. Today, the World of EPI dolls can be found in stores across the globe, including retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Macy’s, and Walgreens.
The collections feature hair textures and styles ranging from afro, afro puffs, wavy, braids and straight. Everything is mindfully and intentionally done to represent the beauty in multicultural children.
‘The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder,” is the highly-anticipated revival of the groundbreaking Disney Channel series, “The Proud Family.” The upcoming series will pick up the story of its central character, Penny Proud, and include her madcap family: parents Oscar and Trudy, twin siblings BeBe and CeCe, and grandmother Suga Mama (and Puff!).
Cast members reprising their roles are: Kyla Pratt as Penny Proud, Tommy Davidson as Oscar Proud, Paula Jai Parker as Trudy Proud, JoMarie Payton as Suga Mama and Cedric the Entertainer as Uncle Bobby.
From Disney Television Animation, the series is executive-produced by Bruce W. Smith and Ralph Farquhar, both of whom led the original series. It is set to debut on February 23 on Disney+.
“Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur,” based on Marvel’s hit comic books, follows the adventures of 13-year-old super-genius Lunella Lafayette (voiced by Diamond White) and her 10-ton T-Rex, Devil Dinosaur (voiced by Fred Tatasciore). After Lunella accidentally brings Devil Dinosaur into present-day New York City via a time vortex, the duo works together to protect the city’s Lower East Side from danger.
From Disney Television Animation, the series is executive produced by Laurence Fishburne and Helen Sugland’s Cinema Gypsy Productions and Emmy® Award-winner Steve Loter. “Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur” premieres Summer 2022 on Disney Channel.
In addition to “Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur,” more Marvel products are currently in development from World of EPI.