the Bloom Report May 30-June 6 2025

May 30 - June 6, 2025

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Welcome to Your Weekly News Brief!

Happy Bloomin' Friday!

TAGIE Award Nominations are Open - our 18th year! The TAGIEs honor the most innovative inventors designers, retailers, suppliers, PR professionals, and marketers globally.

New for 2025, this year’s TAGIEs will feature new award categories! Anyone in the industry may submit a nomination by August 2, 2025. There is no fee to nominate a candidate for consideration.

On a sad note, one of our past TAGIE Lifetime Achievement Honorees, Judy Blau, recently passed. She was a talented, kind and a gracious person. She will be missed. I helped the NY Times writers with their feature story on Judy. Rich Mazel posted his heartfelt introduction to Judy and Judy's acceptance of her TAGIE.

Thank you for reading the Bloom Report here or on the Bloom Report 24/7 News Feed! Please support our work by advertising and/or setting up a POP profile.

Mary

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Person of the Week - Carol Pankiw, CEO/Founder of OOLY

Talks about Meaningful Work Through Joyful Products

Carol Pankiw, Founder, Owner and Chief Executive Officer of OOLY _ 2.png

Hi Carol, thank you for chatting with us today. Please share with our readers what do you do in our industry?
I lead OOLY, a creative consumer products company that makes colorful, joyful art supplies and school products for kids and kids-at-heart. As CEO and Founder, I wear many hats—visionary, product developer, people leader, and the one who keeps our mission alive: to spread happiness through creativity.

What is your claim to fame?

I started OOLY from the ground up, identifying a gap in the market for accessible, high-quality art and school supplies that were fun, bold, and anything but boring. We bootstrapped our way to becoming a globally recognized brand and we’ve done it as a proudly independent, woman-owned company. This year, we’re celebrating OOLY’s 20th anniversary, and I’m still pinching myself that an idea born from joy and color has grown into a movement that reaches millions of creative minds.

Where do you come up with your best ideas?
When I travel. I’ve visited over 70 countries, and almost every destination sparks something, whether it’s a color palette in a market in Marrakesh or packaging inspiration in Tokyo. Travel opens up new ways of thinking and reminds me that creativity is a universal language. Read More...

Person of the Week - YIC Winner Palash Bhasin

Shares his Life and his Game Ultramons

What do you feel has been your greatest “win” so far in life?

My greatest win has been making Ultramons - it was a 2 year journey to get it manufactured.

Who are role models for the work you do?

Richard Garfield and Klaus Teuber.

What advice can you give to young inventors who are creating new toy or game ideas?

Don’t give up on your idea - it takes focussed effort over time to create a game. Also, create multiple variants of the game / rules and test them with a wide variety of people to finalize.

What are you still hoping to accomplish?

I’m hoping to sell a lot of copies of the game. I am also working on a digital/video game version of Ultramons. Read More...

Cartoon Lovers, Lexophiles & People in Need of a Smile!

Curseless-BIRDS-ONLINE from Steven Meyer-1.jpg

Cartoon of the Week: This week we have an original cartoon from Steven Meyer, VP Design at Mary Meyer Stuffed Toys! Thank you, Steven!

Memorable Quotes: "One thing I am convinced more and more is true and that is this: the only way to be truly happy is to make others happy.” – WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS

Toy Industry Word of Day: If you can think of a toy/game industry word not in our POPDictionary, add it and we will connect it to you POP profile, feature it here in an upcoming week and on POP's homepage!

Have a cartoon, quote or a joke to share? Send it to me! Mary

Happiest of Birthdays to our colleagues celebrating birthdays this past week!

Financial and Legal

Disney and Universal sued a prominent artificial intelligence start-up for copyright infringement on Wednesday, bringing Hollywood belatedly into the increasingly intense battle over generative A.I. The movie companies sued Midjourney, an A.I. image generator that has tens of millions of registered users.

Saga Alliance’s Gregory Benassar tells Toy World readers about the acquisition of Heathside Trading and the company’s plans for 2025. Saga Alliance is run by four people, all either ex-Asmodee executives or former owners of companies that were sold to Asmodee. They have all been involved in the collectible business, and started their journey into it because they were passionate gamers or collectors themselves.

*** The above posted after tBR circulated June 6th ***

President Donald Trump said Thursday that his first call with Chinese leader Xi Jinping since returning to office was “very positive,” announcing that the two countries will hold trade talks in hopes of breaking an impasse over tariffs and global supplies of rare earth minerals. “Our respective teams will be meeting shortly at a location to be determined,” Trump wrote on his social media platform after the call, which he said lasted an hour and a half.

Toys “R” Us ANZ is in administration (the local bankruptcy equivalent) alongside its sister companies, Hobby Warehouse and Riot Art. Luke Andrews and Duncan Clubb of BDO are serving as Administrators tasked with restructuring or liquidating the company. In a statement issued to the Australian Stock Exchange, Toys “R” Us ANZ said it could no longer pursue a solvent recapitalization plan

China calls out Trump for 'abuse' of semiconductor export controls. The U.S. has limited exports of some chips and chip technology to China as part of a national defense strategy dating back to the first Trump administration.

PBS sues Trump over executive order to cut funding. The Public Broadcasting Service has sued President Donald Trump to block his attempt to cut off its federal funding, and accused the president of retaliating against the nonprofit news outlet over "perceived political slights in news coverage."

Taylor Swift now owns all her music thanks to her $2 billion Eras Tour. Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour shattered records, spawned a blockbuster hit concert film and made the pop singer a billionaire. Now, she credits the nearly two-year tour with helping her “greatest dream come true.”

Trump and China's Xi will likely talk very soon, White House official says. A call between President Donald Trump and China's Xi Jinping could help deescalate trade tensions that have grown increasingly heated in the past week.

White House 'close to the finish line' on some trade deals, says Treasury official. President Donald Trump in April paused his reciprocal tariffs on most U.S. trade partners for 90 days, pushing implementation of the steep levies to early July.

US efforts to coerce China into trade concessions ‘will not work’, analysts say. US President Donald Trump’s attempts to force Beijing back to the negotiating table by piling “extreme pressure” on the Chinese economy through a barrage of export controls are doomed to fail, analysts said.

Judge blocks tariffs for Learning Resources and Hand2mind. This was the second ruling against the tariffs, following the Court of International Trade overturning tariffs imposed on numerous countries in April.

Elon Musk calls Trump’s budget bill a ‘disgusting abomination’. Now, the former White House employee is calling it a “disgusting abomination” and claiming that Congress is making America bankrupt in posts on X on Tuesday.

Trump says 'extremely hard' to make a deal with China's President Xi Jinping as trade talks stall. U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that it was “extremely hard” to make a deal with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

China and EU schedule crunch talks to resolve economic deadlock. China and the European Union have agreed to hold a new round of trade talks to pave the way for a high-level leaders’ summit next month.

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Financial Reporting, Tariffs

How a small, family-owned toy business put a dent in Trump’s tariffs. Rick Woldenberg never expected to be at the center of a constitutional showdown. As the CEO of Learning Resources Inc., a family-owned educational toy company based in Chicago, Woldenberg has spent decades growing the business his grandfather originally founded in 1916.

Spin Master Corp. says it has cut jobs across the company as it tries to weather the impact of global tariffs on its business. In an emailed statement, spokeswoman Tammy Smitham did not say how many employees were affected. She says the layoffs were one part of a multi-pronged plan to deal with the effect of tariffs, which also includes diversifying its supply chains and cutting costs.

US Commerce Head: Tariffs ‘Not Going Away’. Despite an ongoing legal battle, the U.S. Commerce secretary said tariffs are here to stay.

Report: Temu Loses 58% of US Daily Users Due to Tariffs. Temu reportedly lost 58% of its eCommerce platform’s daily U.S. users in May after the U.S. ended the de minimis exemption.

Spirit Halloween cancels season opening event due to ‘supply chain challenges’. Although the specialty retailer did not say tariffs caused the cancellation, it did point to “international disruptions.”

Tariffs squeeze off-price retailers more than expected. Although the specialty retailer did not say tariffs caused the cancellation, it did point to “international disruptions.”

With Trump tariffs in limbo, the uncertainty is 'killing' us, business owner says: 'We need to know what things are going to cost'. The uncertainty is "tough for our business," says one owner.

Trump tariffs forecast to hurt global growth. The influential policy group lowers its forecast for the world's economy due to US trade barriers.

Trump's 50% steel tariffs hit the world but UK spared full blow. U.S. tariffs are in the spotlight once again in Europe as President Donald Trump's 50% levy on steel and aluminum imports came into effect.

Trends, Lists, Market Research, and State of the Industry

Firms launch tools to help shippers measure tariff costs.

MAY 2025 CIRCANA BOOKSCAN - TOP 20 ADULT GRAPHIC NOVELS

*** The above posted after June 6th when TBR circulated ***

TOP 20 GRAPHIC NOVELS - MAY 2025

Poland Ranks Among Top 10 Global Toy Exporters Despite Market Slowdow

How "Type C" Became the Cool-Mom Parenting Style.

Is Labubu the next Hello Kitty? Analysts debate the limits for China’s Pop Mart. Pop Mart, the company behind the hit collectible character Labubu, was virtually unknown outside mainland China before 2024.

Game time for another IPO hopeful in China’s booming toy market. A maker of collectible figurines, 52Toys, is lining up to test investor enthusiasm for play-related stocks after the runaway success of Pop Mart.

Turning Point: Could Tariffs Spark a Sustainability Surge?. For many years, sustainability has been a frequent topic of conversation across the toy industry.

Circana: Toy Sales Grew 6 Percent from January to April 2025. U.S. toy retail sales from January to April 2025 grew 6 percent and units sold increased 3 percent, compared to the same period in 2024.

China’s blind box toys captivate global fans, transforming collectible trends. China's blind box craze is making its way to other parts of the world, as some of the toys landed in Europe just a few weeks ago.

Pop Mart's Labubu: A Rising Star in the Global Toy Market. The company, which was relatively unknown outside China before 2024, is being compared to the iconic Sanrio and its Hello Kitty franchise.

Raising the Bar: Tariffs Hit the Toy Aisle. Let’s face it: Manufacturing in the U.S. is usually more costly than manufacturing products overseas and importing those items.

Toyjobs has been the dominant recruiting

Stories, Comments, and Advice

Labubu owners are considering insuring their coveted plushies to protect toys from theft. The monster fuzzies, which were created by Hong Kong designer Kasing Lungare and often seen dangling off designer handbags of celebrities around the globe, are now so in demand that there has been a rise in thefts.

Extremely Lifelike Dolls Cause a Frenzy in Brazil. To some, the dolls, known as reborn dolls, provide comfort, escape or just plain fun. But politicians across Brazil have tried to pass bills banning the dolls from public spaces.

Board Game Speed Dating - Indeed Brewing - Milwaukee -(Ages 25-39). Searching for a partner can be horrifically painful. But board games are always awesome. So what if you combined board games and finding a partner?

McDonald’s could not handle the newest Meal toy frenzy. In April we reported about the new McDonald’s Minecraft Happy Meals launched in tandem with the Minecraft movie. While many a fan loved the new collectibles in America, McDonald’s Happy Sets in Japan have truly taken the world by storm.

*** The above posted after tBR circulated June 6th ***

John Baulch, Toy World - Crisis, what crisis? … it’s the Friday Blog! Hopefully the incessant rain that is hammering down as I write this is a temporary blip – although after the driest and warmest spring / early summer for some while, at least Art & Craft and Puzzles suppliers will be happy with a few rainy days’ respite.

Rick Derr - Toy world's Letter from America - Where do I start? A few things have happened since I wrote my last column. The toy industry is resilient and, as ever, we will get through the challenges we face, but at what cost? That to me is the real question here in the States. Because the small to mid-tier toy companies are right in the bullseye of the tariff’s implementation. Their pain is real...

Sticker Shock: 75% of American Adults Support Tariff-Free Toys as Elon Musk Warns ‘Trump tariffs will cause a recession’. Survey reveals growing anxiety over toy prices as tariffs make impact — and policymakers are in the crosshairs

The virtual quiz game Tango, developed at Harvard, pairs Democrats and Republicans on common teams, where bipartisanship quickly emerges as a competitive advantage. “It’s really the opposite of the nasty, divisive posting you find on social media,” offered Tango co-creator Joshua D. Greene ’97, a professor of psychology and co-author of new study measuring the game’s impact.

How Do You Teach Something You Were Never Taught? You're standing there, feeling lost in the storm of your child's big emotions. I see you. You're not failing because you don't want to help your child... you simply don't know how to.

Rutabaga Toy Library lets families sign out toys a month at a time. The sharing economy comes for us all, including kids. Reporter Buffy Gorrilla takes us to Philadelphia in a paid library for toys that hopes to keep playthings out of the landfill.

Modern Play & Old-School Toys: Benefits of Rubik’s Cubes for Kids Today. Take playtime back to basics by exploring how analog toys can build problem-solving skills in kids. Boys & Girls Clubs of America

Specialty Retailers: Tackling Toys & Tariff Troubles. Recently established independent retailers address economic uncertainty. Trends shift, brands come and go, and each store curates its own unique style. One thing remains constant: kids still wake up eager to play with their favorite toys.

Blind box toys are booming: Are they just child’s play or something more concerning? If you’ve seen videos of people tearing into tiny toy packages online, or noticed teens obsessing over pastel-coloured figurines at the mall, you’ve probably encountered the global craze for blind box toys.

From the ToyBook Editor: The Tariff-ying Uncertainty of the Toy Business. A week of flip-flopping throws another wrench into an industry already fighting for survival.

Raising the Bar: The Power of Representation. From strategic introductions to leveraging your IP to managing deals, licensing agents can help to create new opportunities, take on some of the burden, and streamline the licensing process.

From the Editor: If You’re Gonna Play in Texas…. They say that “Everything’s bigger in Texas,” and that includes the conversations happening at ASTRA Marketplace & Academy as the specialty toy industry rides into San Antonio this week.

Specialty Retailers: Tackling Toys & Tariff Troubles. With rapidly changing tariff rates in effect and economic uncertainty lingering, specialty toy stores are navigating the same choppy waters as their vendors, learning, adapting, and evolving together as they work to fill shelves and spark joy in the hearts of little ones across the country.

Chuck E. Cheese Partners with The Toy Foundation™ to Celebrate International Day of Play. Chuck E. Cheese is celebrating the power of play by partnering with The Toy Foundation™ for International Day of Play on June 11 with free active play all day and fundraisers.

Hasbro faces criticism for ‘overpackaged’ Dungeons & Dragons dice box. The box for Hasbro’s Dungeons & Dragons Adventure Dice Set has kicked off a conversation about excessive packaging for small products; but the pack’s size, decoration, and interactive elements may serve another purpose.

Women of Wrestling Reveals Its First-Ever Card Game. Women of Wrestling (WOW), the all-female professional wrestling organization, is launching its first-ever collectible card game. WOW: The Card Game brings energy to the gaming community with iconic rivalries, signature moves, and fan-favorite wrestlers.

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History and Nostalgia

Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by Bill Bell and then-Washington State congressman Joel Pritchard. To entertain their bored children, they made up a game that used ping pong paddles to hit a wiffle ball over a hip-height badminton net.

Security researcher Ciro Santilli discovered that, back in the mid-to-late-2000s, the CIA created a fake Star Wars fan site. A Star Wars site they secretly used to communicate with informants in other countries. The name of this particular site was StarWarsWeb.net. If you click on that link now, it takes you directly to the official CIA website. So wed say his research was accurate.

Shaver Sets from Hasbro. Toy companies have long created products that let children imitate the activities they observed in their parents' daily lives. A great example of this was the line of pretend shaver sets that Hasbro released in the 1960s.

Polly’s Dream World from Bluebird. Released in 1991 from Bluebird, the Polly's Dream World playset inspired imaginative play with its many pastel-infused environments and tiny figures, allowing children to create countless miniature adventures for Polly and friends.

Funny Finger from Ideal (1968). Funny Finger is played in rounds. To start a round, the first player chooses any fingers on one hand and pokes them through any of the available holes in the Finger Fence. Once their fingers are in place, the remaining players attempt to replicate the finger placement using their Fence.

TOMY ad for tBR larger font - 05082025 removed Connetix.jpg

Licensing and Entertainment

Nickelodeon has announced the acquisition of Mr. Crocodile, a new animated kids’ series based on the beloved French children’s book Monsieur Crocodile a Beaucoup Faim (Mister Crocodile is Very Hungry) by best-selling author Joann Sfar, published by Gallimard.

*** The above posted after tBR started circulating June 6th ***

Nike and Lego celebrate global partnership with summer of active play. The partnership merges the imaginative world of Lego bricks with Nike’s storied sport legacy to inspire kids everywhere to play both on and off the court.

Hasbro unveils Play-Doh Barbie line. The licensed collaboration with Mattel covers a suite of products that feature Barbie dolls, Play-Doh compound, special pattern moulds, doh sheets, accessories packs and more, making it easy and fun to make fashionable Play-Doh Barbie clothing, accessories and hairstyles.

High Touch Entertainment is bringing science to life in new ways through two major licensing agreements that will expand its STEAM-focused Spark Universe IP. “Our long-standing commitment to opening up the world of science through fun and imagination has helped countless children discover the magic of science,” says Daniel Shaw, founder and CEO of High Touch High Tech....

Scholastic is partnering with 11:11 Media and HappyNest Entertainment to bring Paris & Pups to life in bookstores worldwide. The global children’s publishing powerhouse has secured rights to publish a range of titles inspired by the upcoming animated franchise based on Paris Hilton and her real-life pets.

Craft Buddy partners with Dr. Seuss. Craft Buddy is partnering with Dr. Seuss Enterprises to bring beloved characters The Grinch and The Cat in the Hat to life through a range of innovative Crystal Art products.

With One Piece Season 2 on the horizon, The LEGO Group and Tomorrow Studios revealed a treasure trove of building sets inspired by the Netflix series. The LEGO One Piece Collection includes options big and small, from adorable Luffy and Buggy the Clown BrickHeadz to a lavish, 3,402-piece recreation of the Baratie Floating Restaurant, complete with a crew of 10 minifigures.

Care Bears will go the way of the Smurfs and star in a live-action feature film from Warner Bros. John Greenbaum (Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar, Strays) will direct; John Francis Daley (Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves) is among the film’s many producers. A writer, plot, and genre have yet to be revealed.

Lord Hobo and Bananagrams join forces for Fruit Peddler, a limited-release fruity pale ale. Game night just got a bit fruitier. Lord Hobo Brewing Co. and Bananagrams, Inc. have teamed up to create Fruit Peddler, a 6% ABV Fruity Pale Ale designed for fans of beer and word games alike.

Ncuti Gatwa leaves Doctor Who in shock regeneration. Ncuti Gatwa regenerated into Billie Piper in the series finale of Doctor Who on Saturday night. He left the role after playing the iconic character for two series.

One Piece’s Tony Tony Chopper revealed in all his furry live-action-ish glory. After a tease in Netflix’s One Piece season 2 announcement way back in September 2023, Tony Tony Chopper, the Straw Hats’ resident reindeer-doctor, has officially boarded the pirate ship.

@Hasbro Unveils Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps #MarvelLegends AND #Gamerverse Action Figures. Hasbro Pulse Marvel Legends Fanstream highlighted the first wave of Hasbro toys inspired by the highly anticipated film Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

Mattel and Dark Horse Comics Announce “Masters of the Universe: The Sword of Flaws”; New Miniseries Out Wednesday, September 24. From the writer and artist behind “Masters of the Universe/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles of Grayskull” comes an all-new He-Man comic series!

Official #Superman Movie Toys from @SpinMaster : Out Now!. Fans won’t need to wait another second to bring Superman to life: starting today, they can get official movie toys from leading global children’s entertainment company Spin Master at all major retailers!

How To Train Your Dragon: Toothless joins Lego Icons line-up. The Lego Group has unveiled the Lego Icons How to Train Your Dragon: Toothless building set, an adorable model kit crafted for adult fans of the beloved franchise.

Rubies secures exclusive Paddington licence with Studiocanal. Rubies, a global leader in the dress-up industry, has announced its partnership with Paddington, the beloved bear from the iconic children’s literature and film series, for product development and distribution across the UK.

The LEGO Group and Aston Martin Reveal LEGO Technic Aston Martin Valkyrie. This 707-piece set reimagines the British automaker’s most extreme hypercar in brick form, combining automotive innovation with LEGO engineering.

‘Jurassic World’ Toys Roar to Life in Walmart’s New Web Series. In the Colossal Clash series, King Vader and Andy Schrock of TurboToyTime debate what a battle might look like between their favorite Jurassic World Rebirth dinosaurs.

Kids Can Hatch Their Own Dinosaurs with ToyMonster’s ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ Toys. Available exclusively at Walmart, little paleontologists can explore the prehistoric past with new surprise toys, collectible dinosaurs, and playsets inspired by the upcoming film.

Disney Jr. shows dominate preschool streaming in the US. The top three streaming shows for this demo in Q1 2025 all hail from the Disney Jr. library, with Aussie behemoth Bluey (unsurprisingly) leading the pack.

Sky Kids commissions Jaime’s Treetop Tales. Sky Kids in the UK is doubling down on yoga YouTuber Jaime Amor by greenlighting a second project from her pitch deck, a live-action preschool series called Jaime’s Treetop Tales (20 x five minutes).

Nordic broadcasters get behind Compass Films’ Ormhildur the Brave. Several Nordic broadcasters have gotten on board a new 2D-animated fantasy/adventure series called Ormhildur the Brave from Reykjavik-based studio Compass Films.

Mediawan Kids & Family to turn Claynosaurz into an animated series. Mediawan Kids & Family has signed a deal with Montreal, Canada-based Claynosaurz to turn its namesake brand of animated NFTs and short videos into a CG-animated series for kids ages six to 12.

DeAPlaneta and Alpha Group team up for a Bernard reboot. Plans call for DeAPlaneta to manage distribution for all new content outside of Asia, while Alpha spearheads a global consumer products push.

‘Transformers: Cyberworld’ Hits the Screen This Summer. Classic characters like Bumblebee, Megatron, and Grimlock will explore a video game-inspired universe in this new series, aimed at kids ages 6 to 11. Audiences will see alliances shift, challenges take place, and more.

Nacelle Reveals Next Wave of Biker Mice from Mars Action Figures. The battle for Chicago rages on as Nacelle unveils the next wave of Biker Mice from Mars action figures, featuring iconic villains and long-awaited allies from the fan-favorite animated series.

The Monster High Skullector M3GAN Doll Totally Slays. The Monster High Skullector M3GAN Doll comes with her Purrpetual Petz purse, heels, and an iconic bow on the front of her dress.

Guillermo del Toro Unveils Chilling First ‘Frankenstein’ Trailer with Jacob Elordi as the Monster. The first look at the adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic novel came during Tudum, the Netflix event in which the streaming service shows off its upcoming projects.

‘Stranger Things’ Premiere Dates Revealed for “Blockbuster” Final Season. The streamer announced the final season of the coming-of-age sci-fi hit will air in three parts late this year. The first will premiere Nov. 26, followed by part two on Christmas and the series finale on New Year’s Eve.

Sydney Sweeney’s ‘Split Fiction’ From Jon M. Chu in Talks to Land at Amazon MGM. The package has Jon M. Chu attached to helm the movie based on the video game of the same name. Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick are writing the screenplay.

Mark Hamill Rules Out Doing More ‘Star Wars’. The 73-year-old actor, who has appeared in five live-action Star Wars films and made de-aged cameos in The Mandalorian TV series, suggested that Skywalker’s run is over.

Marvel Skipping Comic-Con’s Hall H This Year. The news comes as Disney and Marvel last week pushed the release date of its next big Marvel movie, Avengers: Doomsday, to a December 2026 release, meaning the studio will have Comic-Con 2026 to rev up fans.

‘Lilo & Stitch’ Positively Bubbly With $611M Global, ‘Mission: Impossible – Final Reckoning’ Easily Runs To $354M WW – International Box Office. With phenomenal holds, Lilo & Stitch and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning continued to dominate global turnstiles this weekend.

Blumhouse Drops First Poster For ‘Five Nights At Freddy’s 2’. The reveals were made Sunday night at the CCXP festival in Mexico City. Based on the blockbuster game series, Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 is directed by acclaimed returning filmmaker Emma Tammi.

‘M3GAN’s Gerard Johnstone Tapped To Direct Live-Action ‘Monster High’ Movie. After directing a pair of M3GAN films, Gerard Johnstone has come aboard to the live-action Monster High movie, based on Mattel’s doll line, for the company, as well as Universal Pictures and Akiva Goldsman’s Weed Road.

Sock’s Appeal! Lisa D’Apolito’s ‘Shari & Lamb Chop’ Doc Acquired By Kino Lorber. EXCLUSIVE: Kino Lorber has acquired North American distribution rights to Shari & Lamb Chop, a documentary about Shari Lewis, who created a sensation with her cuddly and feisty sock puppet Lamb Chop.

James Cameron's Next Movie After 'Avatar 3' Is Not What You Think. While Cameron waits for his young actors to grow up, he’s picked up a new project that may premiere before Avatar 4 can even resume production.

Mattel and IDW Publishing to Launch “Street Sharks” Comic Series This September. Mattel and the award-winning company IDW Publishing, announced the launch of Street Sharks comic books, marking the first new release in over 20 years and introducing the beloved characters to a new generation.

Guru Studio Celebrates 25 Years of Creative Innovation. Guru Studio, the independent animation powerhouse behind some of the most recognizable children’s entertainment brands of the last two decades, is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Ultra PRO Unveils Expansive Line of Magic: The Gathering — Final Fantasy Accessories. Ultra PRO is celebrating the upcoming launch of Magic: The Gathering – Final Fantasy with its most extensive product line yet, bringing together two legendary gaming franchises in one premium accessory collection.

Ultra PRO Unveils 'Bob Ross's Winter Paradise'. This wave of accessories features Bob Ross's wintery mountain landscape art on an array of TCG items. The line will offer players APEX Deck Protectors with this artwork printed on the back, accompanied by an Alcove Deck Box.

People of Play

The Most Influential Women in International Film - Jennifer Dodge, President, Spin Master Entertainment - Dodge has helped turn Canadian kids brands into global screen franchises — most notably PAW Patrol, now a billion-dollar behemoth spanning TV, toys and theatrical. Dodge also co-created the preschool hit Little Charmers and is overseeing a live-action adaptation of the game Bakugan.

An award-winning toy creator and a doctor have teamed up to launch a new co. that manufactures products designed to make health care less scary for little kids, and less stressful for parents. Playhouse MD, is the brain child of Sydney Wiseman, a toy industry star credited with creating the hit toy Fingerlings, and her sister, Kaitlin Wiseman, a family practice doctor specializing in childcare, and mom...

Dark Horse Comics parent Embracer Group is getting a new CEO on August 1, as the restructuring of the company continues, the company announced. Phil Rogers will be promoted from Embracer Group Deputy CEO to CEO, and Embracer Group founder and current CEO Lars Wingefors will move to Executive Chair of the Board.

Meta forming new AI lab helmed by Scale AI CEO Alex Wang. The research lab is Meta’s latest effort to gain an edge in the fiercely competitive AI development space.

*** The above posted after tBR circulated June 6th ***

She Always Felt Like an Outsider. Now It’s This CEO’s Superpower. Funko chief Cynthia Williams strikes a Wonder Woman pose before tough meetings. She bets she can boost sales by tapping into sports fans.

Mattel Combines Film & TV Units To Create Mattel Studios, Promoting Robbie Brenner & Hiring Three. After nearly seven years as President of Mattel Films, Brenner has been elevated to President and Chief Content Officer of Mattel Studios, where her influence will expand beyond film and into television.

First person: John Hight. When John Hight joined Hasbro last year to lead Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming, it felt, in his words, like coming full circle. “MAGIC: THE GATHERING and DUNGEONS & DRAGONS were foundational influences,” he says. “They inspired me and many others when we were just beginning our journeys in game development.”

Moose Toys chief marketer Belinda Gruebner exits after 10 years. Gruebner first joined the business as EVP global marketing in 2015, later stepping up into the CMO role in 2021. Prior to joining Moose Toys, she held senior marketing roles at Officeworks and ToysRUs.

Anthony Trani - Excited to speak with Jeff Sigel, Eric Sigel, and Elena Putilina, PhD on their Twinning Strategy podcast about the great work our small, but mighty team Elenco Electronics has done over the past couple of years to transform our brands and to reignite Elenco's growth engine.

Brian Turtle - The game that started my 30 year career in the toy biz, The Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon is amazingly still making the news... and now conveniently drinkable!

Southard Communications Shifts Leadership Roles. Over at Southard Communications, Maria Habermann is taking on the title of vice president. Her 15 years of experience in pet, kid toys, lifestyle, and professional services backs this change.

Companies and Brands

Saga Alliance’s Gregory Benassar tells readers about the acquisition of Heathside Trading and the company’s plans for 2025. Saga Alliance is run by four people, all either ex-Asmodee executives or former owners of companies that were sold to Asmodee. They have all been involved in the collectible business, and started their journey into it because they were passionate gamers or collectors themselves.

*** The above posted after tBR started circulating on June 6th ***

Hasbro, parent company to Wizards of the Coast, has been named one of the United States' most civic-minded companies for the 13th consecutive year. The Civic 50 is the nation's leading corporate social impact recognition program. Honorees are selected based on assessment of employee volunteering, community investment, social impact strategy and performance measurement.

Asmodee celebrates 30th anniversary with new consumer-facing brand reveal. Asmodee turns 30 this year, and the company has revealed a new brand identity, marking a major leap forward as a vibrant and visible consumer-focused brand, inspired by its players.

Wow! Stuff expands the Puppetronic Universe. Unveiling its new Deluxe Puppetronic line, which debuts with Disney Chatty Stitch and Angel, Wow! Stuff is bringing the magic of this emerging category to fans at a more accessible price point.

DKB celebrates one million Crazy Aaron’s tins sold. Thanks to recent changes in product testing protocols, Crazy Aaron’s is now able to bring its full US range to UK and Irish shelves — unlocking an unprecedented wave of innovation, creativity and seasonal magic.

50 Years of Timeless Play: Schylling’s Legacy of Fun. As the company celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, Schylling continues to delight new generations of kids (and kids at heart) with its blend of nostalgia, sensory satisfaction, and creative design.

From Start-Up to Standout: Solobo Toys. In 2023, Courtney Peebles and her husband, Daniel, were struggling to find developmentally appropriate toys for their sons. Their older son was ready for more complex toys, and their younger son had developmental delays that made it difficult to find good toys.

Alliance Entertainment Hires Seven from Diamond. Alliance Entertainment, which was originally the winning bidder in the Diamond Comic Distributors bankruptcy auction but dropped its bid at the last minute, has hired at least seven former Diamond staffers.

Disney Laying Off Several Hundred In TV & Film Entertainment, Corporate Finance. EXCLUSIVE: Major layoffs are underway at the Walt Disney Company, with several hundred employees impacted globally, Deadline has learned.

Easterseals Announces National Initiative to Identify Best Accessible Toys for 2025 Holiday Season. Easterseals announced the launch of a new national initiative to identify the best accessible toys and video games for the 2025 holiday season.

Hamleys arrives in Kuwait. Kuwait has welcomed the “world’s finest toy store”, with Hamleys launching a spectacular 1,170 square meter store at The Avenues mall.

Blokees Releases New Minions Collection for Minions Banana Day. Block building kit and collectibles company Blokees recently released the Minions Mokoo Series: Minions-N-Disguise, which was available to purchase on the first day of the Minions Banana Day event in Shanghai.

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Gaming: Digital, Video, Hardware, and Development

Genshin Impact’s Latest Collab Is Unexpected — To Say The Least. The global mobile hit Genshin Impact is joining hands with makeup mogul Charlotte Tilbury for two beauty boxes that contain multiple products and collectibles for gamers and skincare aficionados alike.

Two former Polygon writers are starting a new site. A lot of Polygon’s staff was laid off following Vox Media’s sale of the publication to Valnet, but two of its former guides writers are launching their own guides-focused website: Big Friendly Guide.

Mario Kart World’s designers had to rethink everything to make it open world. A follow-up to the Switch's (and Wii U's) best-selling game, World's original concept focused on two key changes: doubling the amount of racers, and creating a connected, open world for players to explore.

ZeniMax QA union signs tentative bargaining agreement with Microsoft. Unionized QA workers at ZeniMax celebrated a win with the news that their union, ZeniMax Workers United-CWA, and ZeniMax parent company Microsoft reached a tentative contract agreement two years after unionizing in 2023.

Zynga has shuttered Torchlight III developer Echtra Games. Zynga has closed down Torchlight III developer Echtra Games four years after acquiring the studio. The Take-Two-owned mobile company confirmed the news in a statement to IGN and said the decision is part of a "strategic realignment."

Halo Will Reportedly Have A "Big Announcement" In October. It's fair to say that Halo has been undergoing a prolonged period of decline over the past decade. The series seemed to peak in popularity during the closing years of Bungie's stewardship.

Baldur's Gate 3's Astarion Is Being Turned Into A Nendoroid. There are already quite a few ways you can show your love for the cast of Baldur's Gate 3 outside of the game, and Good Smile just announced what might be the best one yet.

Dragon Quest series has shipped more than 94 million units worldwide. One fairly important thing that was missed when we received a firm release date for the eagerly-anticipated Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake is that Square Enix revealed just how many units the much-loved JRPG franchise has shipped worldwide.

Xenoblade Chronicles X DE included in list of Enhanced games for Microsoft Edge Game Assist. Could a PC release of Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition be on the cards? It seems fairly unlikely. However, the game is on a new list of Enhanced games for Microsoft Edge Game Assist.

Sounds like SpongeBob and TMNT coming to Sonic Racing CrossWorlds. The person who leaked screenshots and the title Sonic Racing CrossWorlds is back and this time they are promising the inclusion of both the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and SpongeBob Squarepants.

The World Ends with You director leaves Square Enix after 29 years. Tatsuya Kando, who is best known as being the director behind the classy The World Ends with You, has announced on X that he has now left Square Enix.

Resident Evil 9 could be set for reveal at Summer Game Fest. The next mainline Resident Evil game Resident Evil 9 could be unveiled as early as this week at the Summer Game Fest. This news comes from notable Resident Evil insider Dusk Golem who says they are 95% positive of the reveal happening.

Spyro 4 rumoured to possibly feature at Xbox Games Showcase on Sunday. Video game leaker eXtas1stv is delightfully teasing that Spyro the Dragon 4 is set to be showcased at the Xbox Games Showcase which is on Sunday at 9am PT / 6pm UK time.

Subway Surfers Celebrates Pride Month with In-Game Event. SYBO is kicking off celebrations for Pride Month with a limited edition in-game event. Starting today and running until June 22, players can visit the sun-kissed beaches of Barcelona and meet a new, colorful LGBTQ+ character, Berta.

Roblox to roll out character licensing tools in Q3. The platform's new License Manager program will help creators request to use popular IPs in their games and experiences, as well as giving brand owners a way to dispute unauthorized usage.

Nvidia's Jensen Huang says Nintendo Switch 2 has dedicated AI processors. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang on Tuesday talked up the capabilities of Nintendo ’s new Switch 2, days before the long-awaited console is set to hit store shelves.

'Mario Kart World's Newest Tricks Will Change How 'Players View The World Itself,' Creator Says. Even for the most veteran Mario Kart players out there, the next entry in the series is full of new mechanics and ideas they’ll want to master.

'Mario Kart World’s Weirdest New Feature Initially Left Developers Very Confused. In Mario Kart World, players can pick up special food-based pick-ups that change the racer’s outfit when consumed. Doing so also unlocks that outfit in the game’s character selection screen.

Epic is making it easier to create MetaHumans. At its State of Unreal show on Tuesday, Epic announced that the MetaHuman Creator is now embedded within Unreal Engine as part of Unreal Engine 5.6.

Epic is bringing AI Darth Vader’s tech to Fortnite creators. Epic Games is going to allow Fortnite creators to make AI-powered NPCs that work similar to the recently-launched AI Darth Vader. The company showed off the tech at its State of Unreal show on Tuesday.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is here: all of the launch news. Nintendo’s next console looks like a worthy successor to the original Switch, and it has a lot of games to play on day one, including the brand new Mario Kart World and upgrades to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.

Wizards of the Coast teams with Giant Skull on 'epic' single-player Dungeons & Dragons game. The news comes a year after WOTC and Larian Studios parted ways after a successful stint with Baldur's Gate 3, and comes as Wizards continues to expand on the success of Larian's RPG.

Highlighted Press Releases

($100/week/press release in this highlighted section and on newsletter sent Friday)

CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PLAY WITH FUN IN MOTION TOYS!
Ft. Lauderdale, FL (June 6, 2025) – In honor of the second official International Day of Play on Wednesday, June 11, Fun In Motion Toys is proud to announce a South Florida community initiative supporting the global movement to affirm ‘play’ as a fundamental human right. Designated by the United Nations, this special day celebrates the power of play in children’s lives — and Fun In Motion Toys is making it unforgettable for families across South Florida.

Safety and Counterfeiting

Ethical Supply Chain Program: Risk-Proofing Your Supply Chain. Sourcing risks have become more visible and consequential with the increase of geopolitical tensions, rapid demand shifts, and climate-related disruptions.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Budget Confirms Plans to Absorb CPSC. The approved proposal would establish a new department managed by the Assistant Secretary for Consumer Product Safety (ASCPS) within the Office of the Secretary, to oversee consumer products at the federal level.

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Associations, Foundations, Shows, Awards, Events, and Festivals

Eunice Chan, a 13-year-old from Leeds, has made history as the youngest-ever winner of the Official UK Rummikub Tournament, held at the UK Games Expo (UKGE) at the NEC Birmingham. The sold-out tournament welcomed 40 passionate Rummikub players from across the country, including two former UK Rummikub tournament champions.

Asmodee celebrated International Tabletop Day on June 5th 2025, as the annual event coincided with a pivotal milestone: its 30th anniversary. International Tabletop Day comes as latest research highlights the positive benefits of tabletop games, with 61% of people worldwide preferring leisure activities that help them unwind and mentally decompress. In 7 out of 10 countries studied, board games rank...

They did it! 612km conquered over 4 days of intense cycling raising an incredible £9,868 & counting for The Toy Trust's Mega Midsummer Mayhem fundraiser. Richard Sutcliffe & Rory Edwards were treated to a hero’s welcome at Goliath HQ with a celebratory BBQ organised for their arrival.

*** The above posted after tBR circulated June 6th ***

Wizards of the Coast announced Eternal Weekend 2025 dates. Eternal Weekend is one of the most beloved event series for Magic: The Gathering, as it showcases tournaments for its most powerful formats (Legacy and Vintage). This year Eternal Weekend 2025 will be held in three different locations: Pittsburgh, PA on October 9-12, 2025; Lucca, Italy on November 27-30, 2025 and Yokohoma, Japan on December 13-14, 2025.

Astra announces winners of 2025 Play Awards. The excitement peaked with the annual Astra Star Awards Gala, sponsored this year by Schylling, where the winners of the 2025 Play Awards were unveiled and celebrated for their creativity, innovation, and impact on the world of play. Out of 58 carefully selected finalists, 19 products emerged as category winners...

Price Reduced for Temporary Showroom Space at The Toy Building this Fall. In a move to support the toy industry, The Toy Association™ has set a flat rate of $29 per square foot for all temporary showroom space at The Toy Building in El Segundo this fall.

The Toy Association is proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the specialty toy community — including independent toy retailers, up-and-coming inventors, and emerging manufacturers — by offering dedicated advocacy, curated programming, and resources tailored to their needs.

ASTRA’s Insights: The Power of Community. The Most Important Constant Amid Uncertainty. At ASTRA, we remain consistent in our passion and belief that play is essential to the development and well-being of children as well as adults.

All toy industry professionals are invited to the Canadian Toy Association’s (CTA) Annual General Meeting and Networking Reception, taking place Wednesday, June 18 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Spin Master’s Toronto headquarters (225 King Street West). Registration is now open.

Hasbro, ADK Emotions NY Inc., and T-Licensing Inc. are leveling up the hype for the Beyblade X World Championship with a major tournament stop at Anime Expo in Los Angeles next month.

Moose Toys Debuts Exclusives Ahead of SDCC. Moose Toys announced Fandrop earlier this year. Now, the collectible line is making its SDCC debut with black-and-white versions of its original collectibles. Con-goers can purchase these display-ready, diorama-style pieces based on iconic scenes from Star Wars and Marvel for $24.99. There will only be 3,000 of these art pieces.

UK Games Expo “now fully on the world stage of ‘mega-cons'” as record-breaking event surpasses Gen Con for trade hall size. Another year of surging growth has seen the British hobby gaming convention UK Games Expo overtake US giant Gen Con in trade hall size.

Jada Toys Returns to Ancillary Studios with Homecoming Pt.III. Jada Toys, a global leader in die-cast, radio control, and collectible toys, is back and bolder than ever with Homecoming 2025, set to take place on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 4–7PM at Ancillary Studios in Costa Mesa, CA.

Mood Bears event takes over London bus. Bringing positivity, mindfulness and a touch of sparkle to the streets of London, this unique event treated guests to a bespoke Mood Bears Afternoon Tea, specially created by Brigit’s Bakery.

Visitor registration opens for Brand Licensing Europe. Hot on the heels of 12,000 licensing professionals uniting at Licensing Expo in Las Vegas last month, BLE returns to London from 7th-9th October 2025 and online registration is now open.

Juvenile Product Trends Soar at ABC Kids Expo 2025. ABC Kids Expo wrapped its 2025 run at Mandalay Bay Convention Center with a jam-packed floor featuring more than 350 exhibitors greeting an enthusiastic crowd eager to catch the hottest trends in juvenile products.

Five Points Fest and Toy Pizza Expo Bring Designer Toys to Beacon, NY!. The infamous Five Points Festival is taking over the town of Beacon, NY! About an hour north of NYC, the town was already the home to the underground Toy Pizza Experience!

Unlock Gen Alpha’s Attention: Learn the Latest Digital Ad Strategies at June 12 Webinar. Toy industry professionals can get the insights they need at “Reaching Gen Alpha: Effective Mobile Gaming Strategies for Toy Advertisers,” an upcoming Toy Association™ webinar taking place Thursday, June 12.

RIP - Rest in Play - Remembering Those that have Passed

If you know of a colleague's passing, please send us information so we may share with our readers. Archives can be found HERE

Joe Morrison - Joe joined toy giant Mattel in 1978, heading up its Hot Wheels division. As Executive VP of Marketing in the early ’80s, he led the team that created the legendary He-Man and the Masters of the Universe toy line that was later developed into an animated TV series and movie. Award-winning actor Frank Langella has said that the Masters of the Universe movie gave him one of his all-time favorite roles, the supervillain Skeletor. Joe left Mattel to follow a longtime dream. He co-founded a toy company, Morrison Entertainment Group (now MEG Toys). The company went on to create Monster In My Pocket, Puppy in My Pocket, Stink Blasters and other “evergreen” brands that continue delighting new crops of kids, year after year.

Loretta Swit, who won two Emmy awards for her role on the popular comedy TV series M*A*S*H, died on Friday, according to her representative. She died at her home in New York at age 87, her publicist Harlan Boll told the BBC.

Jonathan Joss, King of the Hill voice actor has died after a shooting outside his home in Texas at age 59, the San Antonio Police Department has confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter.

Renée Victor, the actress best known for her voice role as Abuelita in the beloved animated film Coco and arc as Lupita on Showtime’s Weeds, died surrounded by her family at her Sherman Oaks, Calif. home.

Peter David, a prolific comics writer whose work on The Incredible Hulk. Aquaman, and other comics helped redefine the characters and became fan favorites, died on May 24, 2025, at the age of 68.

Ed Gale, Ed Gale, who made his film debut wearing the “Howard the Duck” suit and went on to play Chuckie in “Child’s Play” and two other films in the series, died Tuesday in Los Angeles. He was 61.

Robin Muller - (Goliath shared the following): We are deeply saddened by the sudden and tragic passing of our dear friend and colleague, Robin Muller, following a fatal accident. Robin had been with Goliath for over a decade and had grown into the role of Sales Manager Benelux. He was a deeply loved colleague, known for his passion, speed, and big heart. He was only 33 years old and leaves behind his wife, Lieke, and their one-year-old son, Loek.

Judy Blau in NY Times. Judy was a lovely person and the article captures her spirit. I was honored to get to know her when she was the recipient of our 2017 TAGIE Lifetime Achievement Award and we kept in touch. Two researchers from the NY Times reached out to me for help on the article, including photos. Here is our article about Judy, written by Ruth Green Synowic that we ran in 2017.

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