Hasbro Named Master Toy Licensee for UglyDolls

STX Entertainment has appointed Hasbro as the global master toy licensee for the UglyDolls franchise.

The UglyDolls franchise is set to kick off with an animated feature film slated for release in 2019 via STXfilms. There are additional UglyDolls projects in the works across the company’s multiple divisions, including STXtelevision, STXdigital and STXsurreal.

Created in 2001 as a plush toy line by David Horvath and Sun-Min Kim, the UglyDoll brand gained a cult following around the world. UglyDoll characters are distinct for their endearing “ugliness,” in an “Uglyverse” where differences are embraced.

“When Robert Simonds conceived of STX over three years ago, the idea was to build a global media company with entertainment properties that could seamlessly move across all platforms,” said Adam Fogelson, the chairman of STXfilms, a division of STX Entertainment. “In UglyDolls, we have exactly that—a universally appealing brand with the potential to reach a massive audience on every screen and experience, and a meaningful way into animation. It is incredibly exciting to take this next big step with a company of Hasbro’s global reach, experience and influence to bring the ‘Uglyverse’ to longtime fans and new audiences.”

“UglyDolls is a brand with deep history and tremendous equity, and we are thrilled to work with STX to bring the UglyDolls story to life in all new ways via rich storytelling and immersive play experiences,” said Samantha Lomow, the senior VP of Hasbro.

“Our roots are deeply intertwined with a profound love for the toy industry,” said David Horvath of Pretty Ugly. “We’ve been fans of Hasbro’s toy lines for ages, and are great admirers of their creativity and aesthetic sensibility. We are absolutely thrilled to be working with Hasbro and STX Entertainment on the UglyDolls franchise.”