Mattel Wins Battle for Disney’s Princess License

In anticipation of the buying power of fans of Disney’s Princess franchise, Mattel shares jumped today after the toy manufacturer said it won the license to make toys based on Disney’s princess lineup, including the very popular “Frozen” franchise.

This announcement marks a significant triumph for Mattel after it lost the license to rival Hasbro in 2016.

Hasbro countered this announcement by stating that it has extended its relationship with Lucasfilm by renewing its long-standing licensing deal for the “Star Wars” franchise. It also struck a new agreement to develop products based on the “Indiana Jones” franchise, which it hasn’t done since 2008.

Mattel’s stock rose more than 6% in premarket trading, While Hasbro was down more than 1%.

Mattel stated that it will start selling the new Disney toys in 2023, and the business will be managed by the same group that oversees its Barbie franchise. Financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed.

Mattel stated that the new licensing deal builds on its existing licensing relationship with Disney for Pixar Animation Studios’ “Toy Story” and “Cars” franchises, as well as the recently announced global licensing agreement for “Lightyear.”

In the announcement Mattel President and Chief Operating Officer Richard Dickson said –

As the worldwide leader in dolls, we look forward to bringing our unique Mattel Playbook approach to brand management, product and marketing expertise.

Hasbro, meantime, said the “Indiana Jones” items will be on sale in the U.S. in 2023, aligning with the release of the franchise’s feature film.

Disney Announces Release Dates for Star Wars: Episode IX and Next Indiana Jones Movies

The Walt Disney Company and Lucasfilm announced today two major upcoming release dates.

Star Wars: Episode IX is now set for release on May 24, 2019. Directed by Colin Trevorrow, the film will close out the third Star Wars trilogy.

In addition, the fifth chapter of the Indiana Jones series is now confirmed for a July 10, 2020 release. Both Steven Spielberg, director of every Indiana Jonesfilm, and star Harrison Ford will return.

From StarWars.com

Walt Disney Studios Announces Release Date for Indiana Jones 5

Indiana Jones will return to the big screen on July 19, 2019, for a fifth epic adventure in the blockbuster series. Steven Spielberg, who directed all four previous films, will helm the as-yet-untitled project with star Harrison Ford reprising his iconic role. Franchise veterans Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall will produce.

“Indiana Jones is one of the greatest heroes in cinematic history, and we can’t wait to bring him back to the screen in 2019,” said Alan Horn, Chairman, The Walt Disney Studios. “It’s rare to have such a perfect combination of director, producers, actor and role, and we couldn’t be more excited to embark on this adventure with Harrison and Steven.”

Famed archaeologist and explorer Indiana Jones was introduced in 1981’s Raiders of the Lost Ark – one of AFI’s 100 Greatest American Films of All Time – and later thrilled audiences in 1984’s Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, 1989’s Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and 2008’s Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. The four films have brought in nearly $2 billion at the global box office.

Indiana Jones Funko Pop! Figure Coming to Disney Parks on July 22nd

A Funko Pop! vinyl figure inspired by Indiana Jones is coming to select merchandise locations at Disney Parks on July 22nd. This Funko Pop! figure is part of a collection of figures created especially for Disney Theme Park Merchandise. Other figures in this collection include four Haunted Mansion-themed Funko Pop! released in November 2015.

Indy Funko Pop

The packaging for this figure includes a nod to the Indiana Jones Adventure attraction in Adventureland at Disneyland park (don’t look into the eyes of Mara!). For this article, I visited the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to grab a few photos of Indiana Jones in action.

This Indiana Jones figure is different than one being released at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2016. The Comic-Con figure (#199) was inspired by “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” whereas the Disney Parks figure (#200) was inspired by “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.”

Indy Funko Pop Attraction

The Disney Parks Exclusive figure will have a retail of $19.99, and it will be released at the following Disney Parks merchandise locations:

Disneyland Resort

  • Disneyland park – Adventureland Bazaar
  • Downtown Disney District – D-Street

Walt Disney World Resort

  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost
  • Disney Springs Marketplace – Disney’s Pin Traders

Guests may also have this figure shipped directly to home using the Shop Disney Parks mobile app. To download the app, please visit DisneyWorld.com/Shop.

Spielberg and Ford Reunite as Indiana Jones Returns to Theaters

Indiana Jones will return to the big screen on July 19, 2019, for a fifth epic adventure in the blockbuster series. Steven Spielberg, who directed all four previous films, will helm the as-yet-untitled project with star Harrison Ford reprising his iconic role. Franchise veterans Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall will produce.

“Indiana Jones is one of the greatest heroes in cinematic history, and we can’t wait to bring him back to the screen in 2019,” said Alan Horn, Chairman, The Walt Disney Studios. “It’s rare to have such a perfect combination of director, producers, actor and role, and we couldn’t be more excited to embark on this adventure with Harrison and Steven.”

Famed archaeologist and explorer Indiana Jones was introduced in 1981’s Raiders of the Lost Ark – one of AFI’s 100 Greatest American Films of All Time – and later thrilled audiences in 1984’s Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, 1989’s Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and 2008’s Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. The four films have brought in nearly $2 billion at the global box office.

Disney Chairman And CEO Bob Iger Says New ‘Indiana Jones’ Movie “Will Be Coming”

Indiana Jones

It can’t be underestimated how much change Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger has brought to the company. During his tenure at the mouse house, the company has acquired Pixar, Marvel, and of course, Lucasfilm, and turned the movie studio into one of the most powerful in Hollywood. So needless to say, he had a lot to talk about when he sat down with Bloomberg for a half-hour conversation. And while much of the conversation was on the potential of “Star Wars,” the broader landscape of the company when it comes to television, theme parks, and more, there’s one little nugget that stood out.

Chatting about the what’s on the horizon for Lucasfilm properties, Iger talked about upcoming “Star Wars” sequels, adding, “and ‘Indiana Jones,’ by the way, which will be coming.”

Earlier this year, a 2018 release date was rumored for a potential new “Indiana Jones” movie, Steven Spielberg and Harrison Ford have been pretty open about reuniting, and Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy has also suggested the whip will be cracked again.

For now, it seems something that’s definitely being talked about in the halls of Disney, and hopefully more official word will arrive soon.

From The Playlist

‘Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar’ Officially Announced for Disney Springs

Jock-Lindsey's-Hangar-Bar

Tucked in between the soon-to-be-expanded Paradiso 37 and recently opened BOATHOUSE restaurant, a new Disney owned and operated Food & Beverage offering has been taking shape. Today, Disney is thrilled to share more details on this aviation-themed lounge, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar.

With a prime location along Lake Buena Vista and seating for 150, the venue will feature unique cocktails – such as the “Hovito Mojito” with Barsol Quebranta Pisco, fresh lime juice and simple syrup – and small plates such as “Air Pirates Everything Pretzels” with house-made mustard and beer cheese fondue.

The design team has gone to great lengths to ensure that every element – from the propeller-based ceiling fans and diving bell “booth” to the “Rolling Boulder Meatballs” on the menu – fits within the storyline.

And just what is that story? Ardent fans of the “Indiana Jones” films may recognize Jock Lindsey as Indy’s frequent pilot; he’s also the owner of a pet snake named Reggie – an important detail, trust me on this! In the main room, guests will discover an expansive bar, aviation decor filling the room, vintage travel posters covering the walls and correspondence between Jock, Indy and their fellow adventurers on display. Guests can eat, drink and be merry outside as well, in Jocks’ old steamboat, now in permanent dry dock and aptly named “Reggie;” and in nearby seating on the adjacent deck.

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar is set to open this fall at Downtown Disney.

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