Playmates Toys to develop a range of preschool toys based on the new series coming to Disney Junior.
On the heels of its US broadcast deal with Disney Junior and Hulu, Toronto-based entertainment company Guru Studio has appointed Playmates Toys as their global master toy partner for its newest original preschool series Pikwik.
In collaboration with Guru, Playmates will bring to market a complete line of figures, playsets, vehicles, plush and role play items inspired by the new series which is set to air on Disney Junior US and other territories in 2020. Playmates Toys has acquired worldwide toy rights, excluding China.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be working with the dynamic and experienced team at Playmates,” says Frank Falcone, Guru Studio President and Executive Creative Director. “They instantly understood the appeal of the property and saw the potential behind our adorable characters and the charming universe they live in!”
“Playmates Toys has built some of the biggest toy brands in the world,” says Jonathan Abraham, Senior Director of Sales and Business Development at Guru Studio. “Together with the broadcast support of Disney Junior and other leading international preschool networks soon to be announced, we have an incredible foundation to build a top-tier global brand.”
“Playmates Toys is delighted to enter into a partnership with Guru Studio, on a franchise that is sure to have a wide appeal with young kids,” said Karl Aaronian, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Playmates Toys. “We’re happy to bring our expertise in creating superior character product lines for preschoolers to this new Pikwik line, inspiring kids to recreate the adventures of these sure-to-be-beloved characters.”
The series, which was acquired by Disney Junior US, Australia/New Zealand, Korea and India, follows team leader Suki the hedgehog, Trevor the racoon, Hazel the cat, and Tibor the hippo, as they work together to deliver surprise-filled parcels to the colorful residents of Pikwik. The 52 x 11′ episodes are packed with big adventures, silly hijinks, and heartfelt charm that will entertain preschoolers while underscoring the social value of team work, responsibility, and critical thinking.
Pikwik was created by Guru Studio’s President & Executive Creative Director Frank Falcone and Development Executive Rachel Reade Marcus.
