As expected after the announcement of a new Thundercats cartoon, we now know who will be taking over the master license for the newly reborn franchise. Bandai America has announced that they have secured the license from Warner Bros.
ThunderCats Roars Back Into the Mainstream with Fresh Toys, New Cartoon Network Episodes
BURBANK and CYPRESS, Calif. – June 3, 2010 – Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) announced today a powerhouse partnership with Bandai America Incorporated, as the global master toy licensee for the animated series, ThunderCats. Under the new agreement, Bandai and their international affiliates will create and distribute products worldwide that will complement both the classic brand property, as well as Cartoon Network’s fresh take on the animated series, with new television episodes set to air in 2011.
“With their legacy of cultivating fun and fresh play experiences for beloved character properties, Bandai is the ideal master toy license for ThunderCats,” said Brad Globe, president, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. “We are thrilled to team up and introduce the ThunderCats property to a new generation of fans.”
“ThunderCats have been a cult pop culture phenomenon for the past 25 years, and Bandai America looks forward to developing modern and engaging toys for these beloved characters,” said Masayuki Matsuo, chairman and chief executive officer, Bandai America Incorporated. “Through the Bandai America and Warner Bros. Consumer Products partnership, die-hard devotees as well as a new generation of fans will be introduced to quality, innovative toys that will create magical playtime experiences capturing the adventurous spirit of the brand.”
An all-new animated series, based on the iconic 1980s action classic, ThunderCats, is currently in production at Warner Bros. Animation. The new ThunderCats, a 21st century reimagining of the series that will air on Cartoon Network, will appeal to viewers who have loved the characters all their lives as well as young newcomers to the franchise. A sweeping tale combining swords and science and boasting ferocious battles with the highest of stakes, the grand origin story of Prince Lion-O’s ascension to the throne – and of those who would thwart his destiny at any cost – takes on epic dimensions in this sharp new telling. As the forces of good and evil battle each other in the quest for the fabled Stones of Power, Lion-O and his champions learn valuable lessons of loyalty, honor and mortality in every episode.
ThunderCats is executive produced by Sam Register (“Teen Titans,” “Ben 10,” “Batman: The Brave and the Bold”). Michael Jelenic (“Batman: The Brave and the Bold,” “Wonder Woman”) and Ethan Spaulding (“Avatar: The Last Airbender”) are the producers. The series marks a creative collaboration between Warner Bros. Animation and Studio4°C, one of the most vibrant animation studios in Japan.
Debuting in 1985, the ThunderCats roared onto the broadcast air waves and created feline frenzy with their band of cat-like heroes from the planet Thundera. Behind their fearless leader Lion-O, the ThunderCats strove to protect their new home on Third Earth and their headquarters, Cat’s Lair, from the Mutants of Plunn-Darr. The ThunderCats pop culture phenomenon had its paws sunk deeply not only in television, but also toylines, apparel and comic books. Twenty-five years later, through the Warner Bros. Consumer Products and Bandai America collaboration, the beloved brand is poised to make a new audience of kids feel the magic and hear the roar once again.
Read the full article here:
ThunderCats Roars Back Into the Mainstream with Fresh Toys from Bandai America!
And yet, still no mention of exactly what this new take is.
Josie and the Thundercats has me worried.
Hopefully this will be as good as he-man 2k.
I wonder what bandai plans for em? They can do well when they seem to actually try. (Which has been rare as of late. Cept for the accurate gwen figure coming soon.)
Bandai America seems to drop the ball when it comes to their properties.
I was in Japan for 3 months and BANDAI ROCKS. No doubt about it. Only if Bandai Japan could pick this up and give us some proper figures.
Anyone think they will go along with the trend and release some 3.3/4 scale figures?
I was in Japan for 3 months and BANDAI ROCKS. No doubt about it. Only if Bandai Japan could pick this up and give us some proper figures.
Anyone think they will go along with the trend and release some 3.3/4 scale figures?
Maybe this line is what happened to some of their better teams?
I think Bandai rocked the power rangers line for awhile. Sure the 2 inch stuff sucks, but that doesn't mean that's what they'll do now. I'm hoping, since it looks like we're getting 2 different lines (classic and the new animated series), that they will do a good job and capture the feel of the line adequately.
Oh great!! It's worse then I expected. I was worried Mattel would be producing the toys, but Bandai.......so much for hoping for awesome Thundercats figures.
I was in Japan for 3 months and BANDAI ROCKS. No doubt about it. Only if Bandai Japan could pick this up and give us some proper figures.
Anyone think they will go along with the trend and release some 3.3/4 scale figures?
Let's just say Gundam's once bright future in retail toy aisles in the US DIED. Yet in Japan it continues to the Star Wars of anime. No end in sight.
Other good toylines which died in the US by Bandai America:
- Knights of the Zodiac
- Teen Titans super articulated 5" figures
Super Legends Zords had inconsistent articulation. New MMPR toys look out of date.I could say more but yea I have a feeling Bandai's Thundercats will be like Ben 10 unless Bandai Japan decides to cash in and make stuff too.
Why though...does BAndai America know that there are tons of Power Rangers fans waiting for SUPER ARTICULATED figures?...
Also, YEAH GUNDAM USED TO ROCK HERE...I remember buying all sorts of model kits...I even scored an american release of PERFECT GRADE ZAKU II CHARS CUSTOM for $40 bucks new on TRU.com....LONG TIME AGO..
Full Thread: BanDai secures Thundercats Master License
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