Hasbro’s TELEPODS Line Soars with One Million Figures Sold in under One Month since ANGRY BIRDS™ STAR WARS® II App Launch

Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) announced that it reached the milestone of one million TELEPODS figures in consumers’ hands around the globe. TELEPODS, the digital gaming platform for the mobile generation, launched with the new ANGRY BIRDS^TM STAR WARS® II game from Rovio Entertainment and Lucasfilm, which became available less than one month ago underscoring the success of this accomplishment and popularity of the innovative new platform. Hasbro’s TELEPODS uses new technology to allow kids to play in two ways: in the physical space and through full and unprecedented integration into top-tier apps.

Every copy of the ANGRY BIRDS STAR WARS II app includes a “TELEPODS” mode that allows users of smart devices with front-facing cameras to “teleport” their Angry Birds Star Wars TELEPODS figures into the game. For the first time in ANGRY BIRDS history players can choose which characters they want to use to complete a level by using TELEPODS including Rebel Birds and Imperial Pigs. Fans download the app, tap the TELEPODS icon in the app, place one of the more than 30 ANGRY BIRDS STAR WARS figures on the included TELEPODS base, and then place the base on a smart device to immediately “teleport” that figure into the game. Players can also unlock new characters in the app with TELEPODS as well as an assortment of super powers, enhancing the digital gameplay experience.

“With one million TELEPODS figures in consumers’ hands and counting, we are thrilled with the response from kids around the world to the new TELEPODS platform,” said John Frascotti, Global Chief Marketing Officer, Hasbro. “We continue to work closely with entertainment leaders like Rovio and Lucasfilm to drive seamless physical to digital app integration with our TELEPODS platform and are excited by what the future holds for this innovative experience.”

Consumers are already gearing up for the launch of ANGRY BIRDS GO!, a new app franchise recently revealed by Rovio that will also feature TELEPODS technology. A full line of TELEPODS enhanced figures and playsets are currently at retail in anticipation of the ANGRY BIRDS GO! app on December 11. Some of the one million figures around the globe that consumers have purchased include figures for the upcoming ANGRY BIRDS GO! title speaking to the excitement fans have for TELEPODS integration in a highly anticipated new game. Rovio will provide consumers with an exclusive first look to the new experience via a dedicated “COUNTDOWN TO ANGRY BIRDS GO!” app integrated with TELEPODS technology at the end of October. To learn more about the ANGRY BIRDS GO! product line from Hasbro, consumers can visit www.Hasbro.com/AngryBirds. Fans can also view the gameplay trailer for the Rovio app on Youtube and learn more about the game at http://go.angrybirds.com.

About Hasbro, Inc.
Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) is a branded play company dedicated to fulfilling the fundamental need for play for children and families through the creative expression of the Company’s world class brand portfolio, including TRANSFORMERS, MONOPOLY, PLAY-DOH, MY LITTLE PONY, MAGIC: THE GATHERING, NERF and LITTLEST PET SHOP. From toys and games, to television programming, motion pictures, digital gaming and a comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro strives to delight its global customers with innovative play and entertainment experiences, in a variety of forms and formats, anytime and anywhere. The Company’s Hasbro Studios develops and produces television programming for more than 170 markets around the world, and for the U.S. on Hub Network, part of a multi-platform joint venture between Hasbro and Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK). Through the company’s deep commitment to corporate social responsibility, including philanthropy, Hasbro is helping to build a safe and sustainable world for future generations and to positively impact the lives of millions of children and families every year. It has been recognized for its efforts by being named one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” and is ranked as one of Corporate Responsibility Magazine’s “100 Best Corporate Citizens.” Learn more at www.hasbro.com.

About Lucasfilm Ltd.
Lucasfilm Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is a global leader in film, television and digital entertainment production. In addition to its motion-picture and television production operations, Lucasfilm’s global activities include Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound, serving the digital needs of the entertainment industry for visual effects and audio post-production; LucasArts, a leading developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software worldwide; Lucasfilm Animation, which produces cutting-edge digital entertainment; and Lucas Licensing which manages the global merchandising activities for Lucasfilm’s entertainment properties including the legendary STAR WARS and INDIANA JONES franchises. Lucasfilm Ltd. is headquartered in northern California. Lucasfilm, the Lucasfilm logo, STAR WARS and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. TM & © 2013 Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.

About Rovio Entertainment
Rovio Entertainment Ltd is an industry-changing entertainment media company headquartered in Finland, and the creator of the globally successful Angry Birds™ characters franchise. Angry Birds, a casual puzzle game, became an international phenomenon within a few months of its release. Angry Birds has expanded rapidly into multifaceted entertainment, publishing, and licensing to become a beloved international brand. Rovio’s animated Angry Birds feature film is slated for July 1, 2016. www.rovio.com

via Hasbro Press Release

Hasbro Brings the Deadpool Corps to Comic-Con via Taco Truck!

“Any evil that threatens the universe can eat lead. For the rest of us…tacos!”

The Merc with a Mouth teams up with his favorite allies — alternate universe versions of himself — in this highly collectible and unique action figure set. The 3.75-inch MARVEL UNIVERSE figures of DEADPOOL, LADY DEADPOOL and CHAMPION OF THE UNIVERSE, along with figurines of KIDPOOL, DOGPOOL and SQUIRRELPOOL come packaged in individual “taco shells,” all inside a collectible taco truck package! The Deadpool Corps Taco Truck Box Set will be $49.99 and available through HasbroToyShop.com, Booth #3329 at Comic-Con International in San Diego). Following the convention, a limited number will be available on HasbroToyShop.com.

via Hasbro & Marvel

Hasbro is Bringing Angry Birds Star Wars to Comic-Con!

Hasbro released new information for their second Comic-Con exclusive. It’s the Angry Birds Star Wars Special Action Figure Set. The SDCC exclusive is priced at $24.99 and will be sold at the Hasbro booth. Assuming any are left over following the convention, a limited number might be available on HasbroToyShop.com.

ANGRY BIRDS™ STAR WARS®SPECIAL ACTION FIGURE SET
Approximate Retail Price: $24.99

The original 12 STAR WARS action figures are re-imagined for San Diego Comic-Con with a twist based on the mega-hit mobile game ANGRY BIRDS STAR WARS from Rovio Entertainment! LUKE SKYWALKER, PRINCESS LEIA, HAN SOLO, OBI-WAN KENOBI, CHEWBACCA, R2-D2, C-3PO, DARTH VADER, STORMTROOPER, SAND PEOPLE, IMPERIAL NAVY COMMANDER and a JAWA are all re-imagined as heroic birds or evil pigs in this set, with each figure in a unique vintage-style blister card featuring ANGRY BIRDS homage to the classic Kenner artwork! The individual blister cards are all packaged together in a collectible package!

via io9

Hasbro Reveals their Star Wars: The Black Series Comic-Con Boba Fett and Han Solo in Carbonite!

In 2013, Hasbro takes collectible Star Wars action figures to the next level with the introduction of The Black Series action figure line! For the first time ever, Hasbro is introducing a 6-inch scale of the greatest characters from the Star Wars universe, and fans will have their first opportunity to start their Black Series 6-inch figure collection at San Diego Comic-Con with the Boba Fett action figure which comes with Han Solo in Carbonite. The SDCC exclusive is priced at $44.99 and will be sold at the Hasbro booth at the San Diego Convention Center July 18-21. Following the convention, a limited number will be available on HasbroToyShop.com.

The first wave of four Black Series figures, due out in early to mid-August, includes Luke Skywalker in his X-Wing Fighter flight suit, fan-favorite droid R2-D2, Sith lord Darth Maul and an Imperial Sandtrooper.

via USA Today

Disney is RUMORED to Buy Hasbro…

Last week, Disney and George Lucas shocked everyone by announcing that Lucas had sold LucasFilm, the rights to the Star Wars films and its characters to Disney for approximately $4 billion. This week, rumors are flying that Disney may possibly buy Hasbro! Disney would then become somewhat of a monopoly of gigantic proportions to entertainment (theme parks and movies) and its merchandising of products (toys and games)!

The Lucasfilm acquisition has been reported as taking only 6 months to complete, so these discussions with Hasbro are probably pretty serious. This can definitely impact the entertainment industry in a big way. Disney would get the rights to the Transformers, G.I. Joe, My Little Pony, Dungeons and Dragons and several other tv/movie/game/toy franchises. It would definitely broaden their audience and also bring back some franchises back to Disney to be under one roof.

It seemed for a time that Disney was losing its grip on their audience until it acquired Pixar. There seemed to be too many “princess” movies and not enough movies that boys would like. Marvel and Star Wars have definitely changed that picture. Will prices for Disney-owned merchandise go up significantly as well? Hopefully not, but only time will tell.

If all this does come to pass, what happens to The Hub (and other shows) and the comics with IDW and Dark Horse? Do they all go away? Or will Disney incorporated everything? There are still a lot of questions to be answered here. Hopefully, most entities will stay in place in some way. Overall, it’s good for Disney, hopefully it will be good for fans as well.

Integrity Toys in collaboration with Hasbro Announce JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS Collectible Fashion Dolls

First of the High-End Collectible Fashion Doll Line Based on the 1980s Animated Series Available at the 2012 Comic-Con International in San Diego

Integrity Toys, Inc., under license from Hasbro, Inc., today announced a brand-new series of high-end collectible fashion dolls based on the 1980’s ground breaking animated series JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS, launching at 2012 Comic-Con International in San Diego.

Inspired by the “TRULY OUTRAGEOUS” characters created by Hasbro over two decades ago and cherished by fans and collectors alike ever since, this nostalgic retro doll line is designed to pay homage to both the animated series and its original companion doll line, originally marketed from 1985 to 1987. Created for fans by fans of the rock ‘n shock pink haired pop-culture icon and her outrageous world, this classic commemorative line will feature the high-end details, quality accessories and ultra-limited edition sizes that fans of Integrity Toys have come to appreciate through the years.

This first doll in this exciting commemorative collection will be JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS Special Edition Doll: HOLLYWOOD JEM, one of the most requested animated-based looks. This doll will be available for purchase at the HasbroToyShop booth #3329 during Comic-Con International in San Diego at an approximate retail price of $125 and following the convention, at www.HasbroToyShop.com.

The dolls, created by noted collectible manufacturer Integrity Toys, will mark the debut of a newly sculpted fully articulated body and likeness of the rock star wearing a high-end costume, delivered in collector grade packaging. Future additions to the line will be announced in the months following Comic-Con International in San Diego via a dedicated web page located at http://integritytoys.com/jemandtheholograms, which has been created to bring fans all the latest information about the Classic JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS collectible line moving forward.

“As children of the 80’s ourselves, working on this project with the Hasbro team was a dream come true for our entire team. JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS has been a major influence for us,” says Alain Tremblay, marketing director of Integrity Toys, Inc.

“We wanted to remain true to the spirit of the original doll line, while paying homage to the animated series, which is something that we as JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS fans always wanted through the years,” says Vaughn Sawyers, Integrity’s head designer.

JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS made a noted return on television in 2011 airing on The HUB TV Network in the U.S., followed by the much anticipated release of a sleek DVD box set last fall that features all 65 episodes of the original animated series. “We wanted to pay homage to the characters and offer collectible dolls to fans that would showcase the essence of their favorite characters. We admire the high quality dolls produced by Integrity Toys, so this relationship made perfect sense,” says Bryony Bouyer, Senior Vice President, Global Franchise Development for Hasbro.

Get ready for some serious glamour fashion and fame; it’s show time Synergy!

She rocks, she shocks and she’s definitely TRULY OUTRAGEOUS! Introducing Hollywood Jem, the first doll in a series of characters based on the hit 80’s animated series JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS.

A long time fan favorite, Hollywood Jem is ready to be added to your collection at long last! Based on a costume worn in the two-part episode of the same name, Hollywood Jem comes complete with a totally 80’s, screen accurate look which includes:

• Fully articulated, highly detailed 12” (30.5 cm) fashion doll with cotton candy pink hair and hand applied eyelashes
• Screen accurate costume with couture like finish
• Miniature Jemstar earings
• Miniature Hollywood Star award plaque
• Shoes, Bracelets and realistic microphone and stand
• Doll stand, instructions, souvenir post card and certificate of authenticity.

2012 JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS Special Edition Doll: Hollywood Jem, available from Hasbro Toy Shop at booth # 3329 at Comic Con International in San Diego! Approximate Retail Price: US $125.00

About Hasbro
Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) is a branded play company providing children and families around the world with a wide-range of immersive entertainment offerings based on the Company’s world class brand portfolio. From toys and games, to television programming, motion pictures, digital gaming and a comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro strives to delight its global customers with well-known and beloved brands such as TRANSFORMERS, LITTLEST PET SHOP, NERF, PLAYSKOOL, MY LITTLE PONY, G.I. JOE, MAGIC: THE GATHERING and MONOPOLY. The Company’s Hasbro Studios develops and produces television programming for markets around the world. The Hub TV Network is part of a multi-platform joint venture between Hasbro and Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), in the U.S. Through the company’s deep commitment to corporate social responsibility, including philanthropy, Hasbro is helping to build a safe and sustainable world for future generations and to positively impact the lives of millions of children and families every year. It has been recognized for its efforts by being named one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” and is ranked as one of Corporate Responsibility Magazine’s “100 Best Corporate Citizens.”Learn more at www.hasbro.com. © 2012 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved
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About Integrity Toys, Inc.
Integrity Toys designs and markets a variety of fashion and celebrity dolls and related accessories, with a specialization in high-end fashion dolls. Founded in 1995, Integrity Toys’ extensive experience and capabilities in the field of doll making allows them to create products and programs for many of the world’s best-known retailers, consumer products companies, celebrities and other intellectual property holders.
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Integrity currently produces high-end fashion dolls ranging in size from approximately 12 inches to 16 inches tall, under a number of brands, including Fashion Royalty, the Dynamite Girls and Poppy Parker among others. The Company’s products typically retail from $60 to $250 each, with most of the products retailing in the $130-150 range. Their products are known for their superior engineering, high-end aesthetics and of course, fashionable, detailed clothing.
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For more information about Integrity Toys, Inc. please visit www.integritytoys.com.
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via Hasbro Press Release

Sony Pictures Animation Drives TONKA Trucks To The Big Screen

TONKA, the Hasbro brand that for 65 years has stood for its line of toy trucks for children, will bring its TONKA toughness to the big screen in a fully animated motion picture to be produced by Sony Pictures Animation, Hasbro and Happy Madison Productions. The announcement was made today by Bob Osher, president, Sony Pictures Digital Productions, Michelle Raimo-Kouyate, president of Production for Sony Pictures Animation and Brian Goldner , president and CEO of Hasbro. The film will also be produced and developed by Goldner and Hasbro’s senior vice president and managing director of motion pictures, Bennett Schneir and will be written by Fred Wolf.

The new TONKA project strengthens the growing ties between Sony Pictures and Hasbro, following the announcements that Sony Pictures is developing motion pictures based on Hasbro’s RISK and CANDY LAND brands. CANDY LAND is also a Happy Madison project.

Commenting on the announcement, Osher said, “In its 65 years, TONKA has become more than a toy or a brand — TONKA trucks are a rite of passage for kids all around the world. Time spent with these toys creates memories that last a lifetime as kids are inspired to play using the boundaries of their imagination. We look forward to creating a family friendly motion picture that brings the Tonka experience to life.”

Raimo-Kouyate added, “Fred and our friends at Happy Madison and Hasbro have a truly inventive take on what it means to be ‘TONKA tough’ that will translate the multi-generational appeal of this world-renowned brand into a fun animated adventure for the whole family.”

“We’re thrilled to be working with Bob, Michelle, and the amazing team of artists and storytellers at Sony Pictures Animation,” said Schneir. “Together with Happy Madison, we’re excited to bring TONKA trucks to life in a terrific story for audiences around the world.”

One of the most recognized brands in Hasbro’s portfolio, TONKA has been the bestselling toy truck globally since 1947. Giving children real-life, relatable experiences, TONKA trucks help kids learn the confidence to get the job done.

About Sony Pictures Entertainment
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; a global channel network; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of entertainment in more than 159 countries. For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com/

About Sony Pictures Animation
Sony Pictures Animation produces a variety of animated entertainment for audiences around the world. The studio is following its worldwide comedy hits-the 2011 hybrid live action/animated family blockbuster, The Smurfs (3D) and the 2009 mouth-watering Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (3D) with the family comedy Hotel Transylvania (3D) in September 2012 and The Smurfs 2 (3D) in July 2013. Sony Pictures Animation, in conjunction with Aardman Animations, has produced two feature films: the critically acclaimed, CG-animated family comedy Arthur Christmas (3D); and the stop-frame animated high-seas adventure, The Pirates! Band of Misfits (3D), in U.S. theaters April 27, 2012. In 2007, Surf’s Up received an Academy Award® nomination for Best Animated Feature Film. The division, whose first feature film Open Season led to a very successful movie franchise, is turning 10 this year. Sony Pictures Animation is an operating unit of Sony Pictures Digital.

Website: http://www.sonypicturesanimation.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SONYPicturesAnimation
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/sonyanimation
Tumblr: http://sonyanimation.tumblr.com/

About Hasbro
Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) is a branded play company providing children and families around the world with a wide-range of immersive entertainment offerings based on the Company’s world class brand portfolio. From toys and games, to television programming, motion pictures, digital gaming and a comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro strives to delight its global customers with innovative, well-known and beloved brands such as TRANSFORMERS, LITTLEST PET SHOP, NERF, PLAYSKOOL, MY LITTLE PONY, G.I. JOE, MAGIC: THE GATHERING and MONOPOLY. The Company’s Hasbro Studios develops and produces television programming for markets around the world. Programming in the U.S. is distributed on The Hub TV Network, a multi-platform joint venture between Hasbro and Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK). Through the Company’s deep commitment to corporate social responsibility, including philanthropy, Hasbro is helping to build a safe and sustainable world for future generations and to positively impact the lives of millions of children and families every year. It has been recognized for its efforts by being named one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” and is ranked as one of Corporate Responsibility Magazine’s “100 Best Corporate Citizens.” Learn more at www.hasbro.com.

via Hasbro Press Release

Hasbro Reveals Their Largest Exclusive EVER for Comic-Con — S.H.I.E.L.D.’s Super Hellicarrier!

Hasbro is bringing the Super Helicarrier to Comic-Con 2012! This is going to be the largest exclusive that will be bumping you on the exhibit floor. This special edition of Marvel’s flying fortress from S.H.I.E.L.D. will definitely fly off their shelves! Even at the BIG price tag of $129.99, supplies will definitely deplete rather quickly.

The Super Helicarrier will be sold at the Hasbro’s booth (Booth #3329). It is a foot longer than the retail version which is 3 feet long. The box will have artwork from Joe Quesada which is exclusive to this version. This special edition will also include two exclusive action figures — Captain America and S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Maria Hill.

Do you have room for this in your collection? If so, head over to the Hasbro booth during Comic-Con for your very own flying fortress!

Hasbro’s SDCC Marvel Legends Uncanny X-Force Collector’s Pack

San Diego Comic-Conis fast approaching and that means new toys!This year, collectors have a chance to hook their adamantium claws into the new Marvel Legends Special Edition Uncanny X-Force Collector’s Pack. Featuring six-inch scale figures of Archangel, Wolverine and Psylocke, the characters are seen in their costumes from the Fall of Archangel story line. The set even comes in a collectable display box with exclusive art by comic artist Clayton Crain!

The Marvel Legends Special Edition Uncanny X-Force Collector’s Pack is available for an approximate retail price of $49.99 at HasbroToyShop.com and Hasbro Booth #3329 at San Diego Comic-Con.

via Marvel Press Release

A Better Look at Hasbro’s Comic-Con 2012 Exclusive Carbon Freezing Chamber

Hasbro has released better images of the San Diego Comic-Con Exclusive Carbon Freezing Chamber and the Jar Jar Binks in Carbonite figure. The exclusive Jar Jar figure is based on the full-size version which is on display at Lucasfilm. The Jar Jar Carbonite figure can be flipped to show the impression of where Jar Jar was after he was thawed out from the Carbonite. Don’t forget that this figure will only be available at Comic-Con in July.

The 7-figure set includes:

• Jar Jar Binks – Episode I
• Clone Trooper Lieutenant – Episode II
• Shock Trooper – Episode III
• Sandtrooper with Sentry Droid – Episode IV
• Princess Leia (Bespin Gown) – Episode V
• Darth Vader (Emperor’s Wrath) – Episode VI
• Jar Jar Binks in Carbonite