Ahead of its 70th anniversary celebrations in 2024, Rocket Licensing has welcomed four new licensing partners for the iconic Godzilla brand.
GB eye has signed up to create a new range of framed and unframed prints, posters, mugs, eco bags and eco bottles using the Japan-inspired classic artwork from licensor, Toho International.
In the apparel category, Trademark Products and Bioworld International are on board to cover distribution across all mass, fashion and specialist retail channels, with men’s women’s and kids’ apparel.
The ranges will cover both the classic brand, and the new animated series, Godzilla Singular Point. The product ranges are currently in development for launch later this year and early 2022.
Meanwhile in publishing, Welbeck has joined the consumer products line-up to create The Illustrated History of Godzilla coffee table book, which is set to be full of imagery and information on the franchise from 1954 to the present day, and is scheduled for launch in summer 2022.
Rocket has also secured a DTR deal with specialist pop culture retailer Forbidden Planet for a range of classic Godzilla apparel and gift lines across its bricks and mortar stores and online.
Godzilla holds the Guinness World Record for the longest continually running film franchise, having first hit screens in 1954.
New content is regularly released to help breathe new life into the brand.
In 2021, following the release of the Godzilla vs. Kong feature film and home video, the new animated series, Godzilla Singular Point, was introduced on Netflix, alongside official YouTube channel launches, and exclusive content on the official social media accounts.
Throughout 2022 and 2023, consumers will be treated to more new content ahead of the big anniversary celebrations in 2024, including a continued roll out of Japanese Godzilla content, which has so far never been seen outside of Japan. There will also be more exclusive content on the official social media accounts, expanded custom content for the official YouTube channel and the reintroduction of the Hanna-Barbera Godzilla series.
“We’re seeing a really good response to Godzilla and generally to the Japanese/anime trend recently, especially with the Tokyo Olympics this summer,” commented Rob Wijeratna, joint md at Rocket Licensing. “So, it’s a really good time to further build the Godzilla brand as such a well-established classic franchise in the category.
“We are delighted to welcome these new licensees on board as the Godzilla brand is set to grow to new heights over the coming years, ahead of its 70th anniversary.”
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