Sneak peek of Thinkway line includes Buzz and Woody voice activated action figures, plus Forky product.
Disney has unveiled an exclusive first look at the latest Toy Story 4 product offering from Thinkway at London Toy Fair.
Darran Garnham, ceo of MTW Toys, presented the new lines alongside Claire Terry, commercial director for hardlines at The Walt Disney Company yesterday (January 22).
The range – which is due to appear on shelf on April 22 – includes favourites Woody and Buzz, but as never seen before. For the first time, the 12-inch Buzz and 16-inch Woody action figures host new and innovative capabilities allowing them to be voice activated and fall-down – bringing the film’s storytelling from screen to real life.
Advanced voice command technology offers a number of interactive play patterns for both toys.
Meanwhile, also revealed for the first time was a select product line dedicated to new character, Forky. Bonnie’s reluctant new toy also has interactive and dancing capabilities.
“We’re so pleased we’re able to showcase Thinkway’s new lines at London Toy Fair, from the drop-down Woody and Buzz products to the interactive toy featuring new character Forky,” said Claire (pictured above with Darran, Woody, Buzz and Jessie). “The innovation and storytelling that went into developing these toys is second-to-none, and we’re sure that consumers will have a fantastic experience with them.
“We also can’t wait to showcase the full product portfolio across multiple licensees and retailers in the spring ahead of the film’s June release.”
Mike Stagg, svp and gm retail Nordics, UK and Ireland, digital commerce at The Walt Disney Company, continued: “We’re so excited to bring Toy Story back to UK audiences in 2019 as they have such a strong affinity to the franchise – Toy Story 3 still remains at the top spot for the highest grossing animation ever in the UK.
“And we’re confident audiences will love Toy Story 4 just as much, both the amazing storytelling in the movie itself as well as our product offering – the most innovative and technically advanced Toy Story range we’ve ever seen.”
For Darran, Toy Story is a range which is a consistent seller for Thinkway, thanks to the sheer breadth and passion of the fan base.
He told Source: “If we can get that great reaction from a room of adults today, I can’t wait for children to see the range. As a franchise, Toy Story is just breathtaking.”
To date, the Toy Story movies have grossed almost $2 billion at the box office globally. Toy Story 4 will arrive in UK cinemas from June 21.
Want to read more news like this? Simply sign up to our daily digest by clicking here. You can also follow @LicensingSource on Twitter.
