Matilda, The BFG and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to anchor licensing program.

DRi Licensing is gearing up for the Roald Dahl Centenary in 2016 with plans for a series of events next year and an array of new licensed products. 

The event marks what would have been the 100th birthday of the late author.

A new licensing direction for the brand will focus on three key stories–Matilda, The BFG and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory–and will give all future products a fresh and contemporary look.

In the spring, U.K. Greetings will launch a series of aged greetings cards featuring the new graphics and fonts; and Aykroyd TDP will launch a line of children’s nightwear and underwear. Amidst the extensive range of both boys' and girls' designs, will be a line based on the dream worlds of The BFG to accompany the upcoming film, which will be released next summer.

Also for spring, Steiff will launch a collector’s edition plush bear based on the character of Willy Wonka; and Rainbow Designs will release a children’s plush series that will include The BFG, Matilda and Willy Wonka as well as a large ‘whizz-popping’ feature plush of The BFG.

“This is just the start of a momentous year for the Roald Dahl brand,” says Alicia Davenport, director, DRi Licensing. “There is still a multitude of new signings to be announced as well as fantastic product launches on the horizon to support this fantastic brand through its Centenary year of events and celebrations.”

These events include the release of the DreamWorks and Disney collaboration family movie The BFG, directed by Steven Spielberg, as well as a brand-new BBC TV animation based on Roald Dahl’s book of verse, Revolting Rhymes, which will air during the Christmas season 2016.