UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As audiences rev up for the upcoming release of the highly anticipated eighth chapter in the global fan-favorite Fast & Furious movie phenomenon, NBCUniversal Brand Development and its NBCUniversal Consumer Products business unit today announced plans to expand the range of merchandise inspired by the multi-billion dollar franchise. One of the most popular action-movie serials of all time, the hugely successful franchise has earned more than $3.9 billion in the global box office, with Furious 7 grossing more than $1.5 billion as the sixth-highest-grossing film ever. Focusing on best-in-class creative partners that capture the essence of the property, NBCUniversal Consumer Products will debut a new vehicle toy line with Mattel, as well as an extensive cross-category merchandising program for the record-setting franchise in 2017.
“Fast & Furious is one of the most globally recognized and engaging action franchises in the world today. With strong consumer recognition and appeal for the brand across fans of all ages, we are successfully extending into new categories including a new toy line from Mattel, and adding best in class category licensing partners for the brand,” said Manuel Torres, Executive Vice President, NBCUniversal Consumer Products. “Fast’s deep-rooted themes of family, loyalty and teamwork also provide a compelling framework to broaden our overall approach.”
Bringing the high-octane action and awesome stunts and scenes from the films to life through play, new global master toy licensee, Mattel will roll out an innovative toy line in 2017 that will feature vehicles, characters, and authentic environments from the franchise.
“We are thrilled to creatively partner with Universal to unveil an all-new toy line inspired by the iconic vehicles and action-packed stunts from the Fast & Furious films,” said Susie Lecker, Mattel’s Executive Vice President & Chief Brand Officer, Toy Box Division. “The collection is truly innovative and will bring the Fast & Furious experience to a new level of interaction, allowing fans to play out their favorite movie scenes with dynamic modern designs and industry-first toy features.”
Complementing the new toy line and extending the franchise from play to display, mixed-scale die-cast licensee Jada Toys will continue to create a line of film-inspired die-cast Fast & Furious vehicles targeted to collectors.
Additional partners, categories, and updates for the franchise will continue to be announced throughout the year. The Eighth Chapter in the Fast & Furious Saga will release in theaters April 14, 2017.
About the Eighth Chapter in the Fast & Furious Saga
On April 14, 2017, on the heels of the $1.5 billion Furious 7, Diesel leads the returning cast in the new chapter in one of the most popular and enduring motion-picture serials of all time. Neal H. Moritz, Clayton Townsend and Diesel return as producers, and F. Gary Gray (Straight Outta Compton) comes on board to direct from a screenplay by Chris Morgan.
About Mattel
Mattel is a creations company that inspires the wonder of childhood. Our mission is to be the recognized leader in play, learning and development worldwide. Mattel’s portfolio of global consumer brands includes American Girl®, Barbie®, Fisher-Price®, Hot Wheels®, Monster High® and Thomas & Friends®, among many others. Mattel also creates a wealth of lines and products made in collaboration with leading entertainment and technology companies. With a global workforce of approximately 31,000 people, Mattel operates in 40 countries and territories and sells products in more than 150 nations. Visit us online at www.mattel.com.
About NBCUniversal Brand Development
NBCUniversal Brand Development (NBCUBD) drives expansion of the company’s intellectual properties, franchises, characters and stories through innovative physical and digital products, kids and family content, and consumer experiences globally. Along with franchise brand management, NBCUBD includes three lines of business: NBCUniversal Consumer Products, Universal Kids & Family Productions, and NBCUniversal Games and Digital Products. NBCUniversal Brand Development is a business segment of Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, and part of NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.
