Netflix Original Buddy Thunderstruck Secures First Licensee

Funko has come on board as the first licensing partner for the Netflix original stop-motion animation series Buddy Thunderstruck.

Under the deal with American Greetings Entertainment, Funko will design and produce a line of plush, vinyl figurines, accessories and apparel featuring characters from Buddy Thunderstruck, including the titular character and his albino ferret. The line is anticipated to launch during the holiday season online and at retailers nationwide.

Buddy Thunderstruck premiered on Netflix on March 10. The action comedy is set in racing-obsessed Greasepit and follows the adventures of a semi-truck racing dog named Buddy and his albino ferret mechanic, Darnell. The series features stop-motion animation from Emmy Award-winning Stoopid Buddy Stoodios.

“We are honored and thrilled to be revealed as the first licensing partner for Buddy Thunderstuck,” said Brian Mariotti, the CEO of Funko. “American Greetings has done an amazing job with the show, and we know the show’s fans will be as excited as we are when they see Buddy Thunderstuck and his friends created in our own inimitable Funko style.”

“We couldn’t be more excited to kick off the licensing program with Funko, who we know will be a phenomenal partner and perfect fit for the brand,” added Nora Wong, the VP of domestic licensing for American Greetings Entertainment. “Funko will bring the characters to life in a brand-new way, and we anticipate the line will speak to the young fans of the show AND to their parents!”