04-05_Transformers.qxp_NEW LSB 2008 GRID 12/09/2018 17:13 Page 4
The Buzz Is Building
2019 has been a huge year with BUMBLEBEE, starring Hailee Steinfeld and John Cena due in cinemas on 21 December from Allspark Pictures and Paramount, and TRANSFORMERS CYBERVERSE, an all-new animated series, which launched in September on Cartoon Network. Hasbro has some ambitious plans for its evergreen TRANSFORMERS franchise to strengthen its position as a consistent global leader in entertainment, consumer product and lifestyle. Left: Original Marine’s apparel collection including in-store and online retail activations.
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RANSFORMERS has been a top action figure property for over a decade, with a growth in sales of toys 26% up in European markets (YTD 2018 vs 2017). Driving the sales of toys (and other consumer products) is a strong ‘always on’ content slate covering preschool right through to adults. “Our new movie, BUMBLEBEE is a departure from the past five Michael Bay directed TRANSFORMERS films,” says James Walker, SVP Consumer Products EMEA. “It’s lighter in tone and humour, appeals to the whole family with a clear story. It will delight our younger fans, but our adult fans will enjoy it too as it has plenty of nostalgic references.” Prior to the release of the BUMBLEBEE movie, a new animation – TRANSFORMERS CYBERVERSE - premiered in the UK in September on CARTOON NETWORK Targeted at the core kids segment (boys aged 5 to 8 years old), this new animation follows BUMBLEBEE as he tries to fix his damaged memory
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Right: New Rubies costumes changes from vehicle to robot.
chips and remember what his mission and purpose on Earth is. “TRANSFORMERS: CYBERVERSE is an action packed comedic series that will deepen the understanding of the characters and strengthen the emotional connections viewers have with them,” says James. “A bit like the film, there’s a lot of nostalgia in the new series, with TRANSFORMERS designs reminiscent of the original toy lines.” There’s also a new series of the preschool offering, TRANSFORMERS RESCUE BOTS ACADEMY launching in January.
Wear It your way
Leading costumes licensee, Rubies Masquerade, continues to create innovative and inspiring dress up for TRANSFORMERS. “We are eagerly awaiting the highly anticipated BUMBLEBEE movie and will be launching our most unique TRANSFORMERS range yet, which will allow fans to really bring the characters to life – from vehicle to robot” says Tania Hyrcko, Licensing Manager for Rubies Masquerade.