Sony Pictures Consumer Products returns to Licensing Expo 2023 to celebrate an unparalleled roster of new content from classic and cherished IPs such as Ghostbusters and Gran Turismo, and new IPs with continually growing followings such as Cobra Kai, The Boys and Gen V. In celebration, the consumer product division will unveil fresh collaborations and product launches for its flagship portfolio of film, television, entertainment, and video gaming franchises; it will also gear up for a milestone 40th anniversary year for not one – but two – of its most iconic properties, Ghostbusters and The Karate Kid.
In 2023, Sony Pictures Consumer Products continues to lay the framework for fan engagement through strategic collaborations and by reimagining its breadth of franchises, many of which are set to come to life on the big screen through feature films and renewed television series in 2023 and 2024.
From Sony Pictures Entertainment, the iconic multi-media franchise Ghostbusters approaches an incredibly exciting chapter, with an upcoming milestone 40-year anniversary in 2024. 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.
Following the smash-hit, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, a film that introduced an iconic property to an entirely new generation of fans, the Afterlife sequel will return the franchise back to New York City where the first 1984 movie took place.
Following suit, 2024 will also mark the 40th anniversary of the beloved The Karate Kid franchise. A new feature film will release in June of 2024. Next year, Sony Pictures will unveil a program commemorating the 40th anniversaries of the iconic The Karate Kid and Ghostbusters franchises.
From PlayStation Productions, Sony Pictures Consumer Products will announce its key licensees to celebrate the release of the upcoming Gran Turismo movie, based on the true story of a young teenager who played the PlayStation video game franchise competitively which led to the realization of his dream, to become an actual professional racecar driver. The film will be released in theaters by Sony Pictures Entertainment in August 2023. To meet fan excitement over the hotly anticipated film, 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. Bringing the film off the screen and onto the race tracks, 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 the 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 along with apparel and accessories from Ripple Junction.
From Sony Pictures Television, Cobra Kai is coming back for its highly anticipated 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, Bitty Boomer speakers from Sykel Enterprises, as well as an action packed Roblox gaming experience powered by Jazwares Game Studio.
Gen V, the college spinoff of the wildly popular series The Boys, is set to release new apparel & 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.
On the precipice of its season 7 debut on Friday, June 16, time-traveling historical drama Outlander will launch a program with Build-A-Bear, coming this Fall. Additional retail collaborations including Her Universe and Torrid introduce the show-stopping fashions from the series, off-the-screen. The series has also been featured in a recent collection by Mano’s Wine, with designs from the show and fan-favorite quotes portrayed on deep-etched and hand-painted wine bottles.
“Licensing Expo comes at a defining moment in our trajectory. 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-favorite characters and stories to life through consumer engagement,” said Jamie Stevens, EVP, Worldwide Consumer Products, Sony Pictures Entertainment. “We look forward to meeting existing and potential partners at the show and exploring cross-industry ventures that drive our business forward.”
To learn more about current collaborations and upcoming opportunities, Licensing Expo 2023 attendees can visit Sony Pictures Consumer Products at booth N214.