TOTAL LICENSING AUSTRALIA
Raya is not the only Princess with big plans this year and Disney is excited to reveal more later in the year. Also coming up for Disney, 101 Dalmatians villain Cruella will hit the big screen in 2021. Cruella is played by Emma Stone, set in and inspired by 70’s punk rock London, it is an original story that takes place prior to the events of 101 Dalmatians. It’s a unique opportunity for ‘inspired by’ products based on unique looks, icons and accessories in the film. Following the impact of Pixar Animation Studio’s Soul, released in late 2020, Luca is the next Pixar Animation Studio original film and is scheduled for release in June. It is set in the breathtaking Italian Riveria and described by the director as a “love letter to the friendships of our youth”. In exciting news for Disney+, inspired by the classic fan favourite, Monsters Inc, Monsters at Work will launch later this year. Consumers can also expect to hear plenty of noise as Disney celebrates Pixar Cars 15th anniversary in the second half of the year. Moving to Marvel, Disney has come out of the gates strong with WandaVision on Disney+ heralding “Phase Four” on the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Viewers can expect more
interconnected storylines that not only span the years to come but span mediums—including theatrical and Disney+. In 2021 they have upcoming new content releases planned including Falcon & the Winter Soldier, Loki, Avengers Mech Strike, What if…?, Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Spidey and his Amazing Friends. Beyond this incredible slate, another reason to celebrate is Deadpool turning 30. This key fan beat will allow Disney to
have some fun with new creative and product across all categories leaning into the character’s unique and outrageous humour. For Star Wars, following their epic Mando Mondays campaign in 2020, there are no signs of the pop culture sensation Grogu or the momentum of The Mandalorian slowing down. This will be complemented by a celebration of the first 50 years of LucasFilm, kicking off with commemorative, fan-favourite 50th anniversary Star Wars products. The launch starts in January and will continue throughout the year with special edition product releases. There will also be several new content and gaming releases scheduled for Star Wars. One of the most anticipated is the new animated series from Lucasfilm, Star Wars: The Bad Batch. Fresh off of the critically-acclaimed series finale of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, the Disney+ original series will premiere on the streaming service in May 2021. But it does not end there. Disney also has exciting plans for their Fox and new IP portfolios. Stay tuned for exciting announcements from National Geographic, ESPN, and more.
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