By Gary Symons
TLL Editor in Chief
Sony Pictures is hoping its licensing program for the animated film GOAT will also be the GOAT, or in other words, the Greatest Of All Time.
Sony Pictures Consumer Products says it’s pulled out all the stops with a broad licensing and merchandising program timed to the theatrical release of GOAT, the animated sports-comedy from Sony Pictures Animation that just opened in theaters.
The program spans toys, apparel, footwear, publishing, video games, and bedding, with distribution across domestic and international retail channels. The film, produced in part by four-time NBA champion Stephen Curry, follows Will, a young goat who earns a spot on a professional ‘roarball’ team in an all-animal world.
“Our globally available merchandise brings the dynamic, action-packed world of GOAT straight into the hands of fans,” said Jamie Stevens, EVP, Worldwide Consumer Products, Sony Pictures Entertainment. “From Stephen Curry’s producorial role on the film to the upcoming collaboration with his footwear and apparel brand, to best-in-class partners that stylize the characters in collectibles and plush, this truly 360-degree consumer products program reflects the energy and real-world spirit that defines GOAT.”
The most prominent licensing partnership is with Under Armour and Curry’s own Curry Brand, which are launching a collection of co-branded footwear in three colorways, available in adult and youth sizing through UA.com, Under Armour Brand Houses globally, and select retail partners. GOAT-branded youth t-shirts are also available through UA.com.
Jada Toys has signed on as the master toy licensee, with a product line covering action figures, collectibles, and plush. Funko and Youtooz Collectibles will separately release stylized figures and plush inspired by the film’s characters. Shoe Palace is releasing a limited-edition apparel collection exclusive to its stores and website.
Penguin Random House is publishing a line of novelizations and activity books extending the film’s narrative. On the gaming side, Outright Games has launched a GOAT downloadable content add-on for the video game NBA Bounce, available day-and-date with the film on Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and PC. The DLC includes new game modes, characters, courts, and sneakers drawn from the film.
Additional domestic licensing partners include Bentex Group and Fashion UK for apparel, Jay Franco for bedding, Snap Creative for theatrical concessions, and Toy Factory for plush.
The international merchandising program includes a Target-exclusive apparel line from Mitch Dowd in Australia, DeFacto handling apparel for Middle East and North Africa markets, and distribution in Mexico through Palacio de Hierro and Suburbia.
Consumers can also shop directly through the Sony Pictures Online Store at sonypicturesstore.com.
GOAT is directed by Tyree Dillihay and co-directed by Adam Rosette, with a voice cast that includes Caleb McLaughlin, Gabrielle Union, Stephen Curry, Nicola Coughlan, Nick Kroll, David Harbour, Jenifer Lewis, Aaron Pierre, Jennifer Hudson, and Jelly Roll, among others.