Again in 2018, Mattel suffered a significant blow when it misplaced the DC toy license to Canadian kids’s leisure firm, Spin Grasp greatest recognized for mega hit Paw Patrol franchise. A lot has modified within the years since together with the shuttering of DC Direct just for McFarlane Toys to swoop in and take over administration of the remaining stock. In a most sudden growth, at the moment it was introduced that Mattel had regained the DC licensing rights to provide ” a full vary of DC-themed motion figures, playsets, equipment, position play merchandise, and grownup collectibles.”
The deal comes into play “beginning within the second half of 2026” when the present licensing settlement between Spin Grasp and Warner Bros. Client Product is ready to run out. So whereas there received’t be any Mattel DC merchandise associated to the upcoming Superman movie from James Gunn this yr, it’s a secure wager that Mattel is gearing up for Supergirl merchandise in time for the movie launch subsequent summer time. I personally am hoping this implies we will count on some Creature Commandos motion figures based mostly on the superb animated collection as a result of Funko figures aren’t sufficient to satiate for me!
Mattel has actually been on the upswing in the previous couple of years. In 2022, the corporate regained the license to provide Disney Princess and Frozen dolls virtually a decade after shedding it to Hasbro in 2014. Furthermore, it was reported that, Mattel’s internet gross sales had been up 2% and working revenue was up $18 million within the fourth quarter of 2024. The identical can’t be mentioned for its competitor Hasbro in response to current monetary stories from Forbes.
What this entails for the way forward for the DC license beneath McFarlane Toys stays to be seen. With Toy Truthful happening this weekend in New York Metropolis, you may wager we hope to search out out.
Official press launch particulars beneath:
Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) and Warner Bros. Discovery International Client Merchandise at the moment introduced a world, multi-year licensing settlement using DC’s total library of beloved characters and legendary storytelling. By way of the partnership, Mattel is awarded the worldwide licensing rights to develop and market a full vary of DC-themed motion figures, playsets, equipment, position play merchandise, and grownup collectibles beginning within the second half of 2026. The settlement spans all DC tales and characters together with Batman, Superman, Marvel Lady, The Joker, Harley Quinn, and plenty of extra.
Nick Karamanos, Senior Vice President of Leisure Partnerships at Mattel, mentioned: “It’s an extremely proud milestone to welcome DC again to Mattel. We sit up for leveraging our Mattel Playbook strategy to model administration, product design, and innovation to deliver DC’s in style characters to life throughout all channels. This renewed partnership will mirror our shared ardour for participating and galvanizing followers and collectors of all ages.”
Robert Oberschelp, Head of Warner Bros. Discovery International Client Merchandise, mentioned: “Warner Bros. Discovery’s new settlement with Mattel arrives as DC kicks off an thrilling new chapter in 2025. Our collaboration with Mattel will result in all-new choices celebrating DC’s wealthy legacy and future storytelling throughout publishing, animation, TV, and movie. Each story and character, from Batman, Superman and Marvel Lady’s heroics to The Joker and Harley Quinn’s troublemaking, are prime inspiration for a brand new partnership that mixes the facility of Mattel and the worldwide attraction of DC.”
This new licensing settlement builds upon the present relationship between Mattel and Warner Bros. Discovery International Client Merchandise, which spans greater than 30 manufacturers and franchises in Warner Bros. Discovery’s huge library together with Harry Potter, FRIENDS, Seinfeld, Ted Lasso, and extra throughout the preschool, plush, dolls, automobiles, video games, and novelty toy classes.
Mattel and Warner Bros. Discovery International Client Merchandise introduced at the moment a world, multi-year licensing settlement using DC’s total library of beloved characters and legendary storytelling. By way of the partnership, Mattel is awarded the worldwide licensing rights to develop and market The settlement spans all DC tales and characters together with Batman, Superman, Marvel Lady, The Joker, Harley Quinn, and plenty of extra.
