McFarlane Toys has been named the master toy licensee for Tim Burton‘s latest stop-motion animated feature film, Corpse Bride, which is scheduled for release by Warner Bros. Pictures in Fall 2005.
Capturing the film experience, McFarlane Toys will produce a full product line inspired by the upcoming feature film, including collectible action figures, bendable figures, PVC and plush toys. Additionally, this agreement marks the first time McFarlane Toys has expanded its categories to include fashion dolls, bobbleheads, novelties and gifts such as candles, glassware mugs, pewter pieces and ornaments.
This exciting new line of merchandise from McFarlane Toys will be geared toward the teen to young adult market, both male and female, and will hit stores nationwide in conjunction with the film’s launch. Corpse Bride products will be distributed in specialty and mid-tier retail outlets nationwide. McFarlane Toys is developing its largest licensing program ever around the Corpse Bride property. Retailer-specific programs will be announced in Spring 2005.
“Tim Burton is one of the most acclaimed directors in the world and he has the unique ability to craft heartrending tales from unconventional stories, similar to what he has done with his latest creation, Corpse Bride,” said Karen McTier, Executive Vice President, Domestic Licensing for Warner Bros. Consumer Products. “Todd McFarlane shares this distinctive sense of creativity and it will no doubt translate to toys and collectibles that capture the film’s essence and the imaginative and emotional styles that Tim Burton’s loyal fans crave.”
“Having worked with Tim in the past, I’ve seen how much creativity he pours into all his various projects,” said Todd McFarlane. “Because of that passion, I believe this property will bring to life a wonderful new world which will be embraced by both his current fans and an upcoming generation. I will be putting the full range of all my company’s talent to bringing as many interesting and innovative concepts as possible to the marketplace. The Corpse Bride property will thrive for years to come, much as Tim’s film The Nightmare Before Christmas has been doing for the past decade.”
Corpse Bride carries on in the dark, romantic tradition of Tim Burton’s classic films Edward Scissorhands and The Nightmare Before Christmas. Set in a 19th century European village, this stop-motion animated feature follows the story of Victor (Johnny Depp), a young man who is whisked away to the underworld and wed to a mysterious Corpse Bride (Helena Bonham-Carter), while his real bride, Victoria (Emily Watson), waits bereft in the land of the living. Though life in the Land of the Dead proves to be a lot more colorful than his strict Victorian upbringing, Victor learns that there is nothing in this world, or the next, that can keep him away from his one true love. It’s a tale of optimism, romance and a very lively afterlife, told in classic Tim Burton style.
