Mattel Expands Relationship with Disney & Pixar

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Mattel has furthered its relationship with Disney and Pixar by entering a licensing agreement for their new Lightyear franchise, focusing on the origin of Toy Story’s Buzz Lightyear.

Through the agreement, Mattel will develop a line of toys for Lightyear, including action figures, playsets, role play, vehicles, games, plush, value figures, novelty items and more. The collection is expected to begin launching in retailers across the globe beginning June 2022.

The release of the product line will coincide with the theatrical release of Lightyear, directed by Angus MacLane (co-director of Finding Dory), set for June 17, 2022. The new film will reveal how the young test pilot (voiced by Chris Evans) became the Space Ranger he is known as today.

Mattel already has licensing relationships with Disney and Pixar for their Toy Story and Cars franchises, among others.

“At Mattel, we treat our licensors’ properties as if they were our own,” said Richard Dickson, president and chief operating officer of Mattel. “For more than 15 years, Mattel has collaborated with Disney and Pixar to bring their amazing content to life with our innovative products and marketing initiatives. We are excited to further that collaboration by introducing a line of toys and play experiences for fans of all ages to enjoy, to infinity and beyond.”

“We’re thrilled to further our ongoing collaboration with Mattel and bring even more products and experiences to life that delight millions of fans around the world through Pixar Animation Studios’ unique brand of storytelling,” said Josh Silverman, executive VP of global third-party commercialization at Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. “With Lightyear, there is an incredible opportunity to celebrate everyone’s favorite Space Ranger—along with a new cast of characters—through new and exciting toys, play experiences and more.”