Sony Pictures Consumer Products (SPCP) is at Licensing Expo 2023 celebrating a roster of new content from classic IPs including Ghostbusters and Gran Turismo, as well as new IPs with growing followings, such as Cobra Kai, The Boys and Gen V.
The consumer products division is also unveiling fresh collaborations and product launches designed to bring its flagship portfolio of film, television, entertainment and video gaming franchises to life.
2024 is a milestone 40th anniversary year for Sony Pictures Entertainment’s multimedia franchise Ghostbusters. The lead-up will include all-new content, including a much-anticipated sequel to Ghostbusters: Afterlife, and two new offerings from Sony Pictures Animation – the first-ever Ghostbusters animated movie and a Ghostbusters animated series, both currently in development.
Also turning 40 in 2024 is much-loved franchise The Karate Kid. A new feature film will be released in June 2024, and the same year, the company is set to unveil a programme commemorating the 40th anniversary of both franchises.
Sony Pictures Consumer Products is also unveiling its key licensees to celebrate the latest releases from the PlayStation Productions stable. These include the upcoming Gran Turismo movie, based on the true story of a teenager who played the PlayStation video game franchise competitively and then become a real-life professional racecar driver.
The film will be released in cinemas by Sony Pictures Entertainment in August 2023, and a robust lineup of licensees for the popular racing game series will be unveiled. Ripple Junction, BDA and Araca will each launch Gran Turismo apparel and accessories. Racing and video game fans alike will be able to shop the consumer products through the PlayStation Gear Store, Sony Pictures Online Store and a new Amazon Storefront.
An upcoming television adaptation of post-apocalyptic video game Twisted Metal will premiere its first season on July 27. As part of the launch, beverage brand G FUEL will release a line of Twisted Metal licensed energy drinks, while fans will be able to buy apparel and accessories from Ripple Junction.
Sony Pictures Television’s Cobra Kai is returning for its sixth and final season. Fans of the martial arts comedy-drama can look forward to upcoming products from Diamond Select, Asmodee, JAKKS Pacific, Gel Blasters, Hard Brands, ZURU, Sykel Enterprises (Bitty Boomer speakers), as well as a Roblox gaming experience powered by Jazwares Game Studio.
Gen V, the college spinoff of popular series The Boys, is set to release new apparel and accessories with Ripple Junction later this year. The Boys, which returns for its highly anticipated fourth season, continues to expand with new products from Funko, YouTooz, Upper Deck, Medicom Toy, Good Smile, Fun.com, G FUEL and more. Products can be found at retailers nationwide and on the dedicated Amazon storefront.
With its seventh season set to debut this Friday (16 June), time-travelling drama Outlander will launch a programme with Build-A-Bear this autumn. Additional retail collaborations including Her Universe and Torrid will bring the fashions from the series to life off the screen. The series has also been featured in a recent collection by Mano’s Wine, with designs from the show and fan-favourite quotes portrayed on etched and hand-painted wine bottles.
“Licensing Expo comes at a defining moment in our trajectory,” commented Jamie Stevens, evp, worldwide consumer products, Sony Pictures Entertainment. “With many of our properties enjoying renewed television seasons and film premieres in 2023, we are constantly thinking outside the box to bring our fan-favourite characters and stories to life through consumer engagement. We look forward to meeting existing and potential partners at the show and exploring cross-industry ventures that drive our business forward.”
Licensing Expo attendees can visit Sony Pictures Consumer Products at booth N214.