Universal Products and Experiences Announces BLE Plans

Universal Products and Experiences (UP&E) returns to Brand Licensing Europe on a high after a record-breaking year that saw Universal Pictures crowned the No. 1 highest-grossing studio at the global box office, along with winning the Academy Award for Best Picture for “Oppenheimer.” Plans are in place to continually evolve the licensor’s core franchises as well as introduce new IP from NBCUniversal and its production partners, including Universal Pictures, Focus Features, Illumination, DreamWorks Animation and Peacock.

Leading the lineup is “Wicked.” A double licensing opportunity, the movie will be released in two parts with the first premiering on Nov. 22, with Part 2 planned for fall 2025. Retailers and licensees across multiple categories around the world are planning a pink and green fall/holiday season.

DreamWorks Animation’s “Gabby's Dollhouse” continues to build upon its success. Multiple consumer touch points will underpin the strong foundations of the franchise. Highlights include a new feature film, “Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie,” coming to theaters in September 2025.

Also from the DreamWorks Animation portfolio is “Shrek 5,” the first new movie in the series since 2010.

From Universal Pictures, the “How to Train Your Dragon” franchise is set to soar once again with the first live-action adaptation of the property in June 2025.

“Jurassic World” continues its dinosaur domination with a new film set to release in July 2025. Fans continue to experience the thrills and wonder of the franchise through the new DreamWorks Animation series, “Jurassic World: Chaos Theory,” currently streaming on Netflix with a second season planned for this fall.

The Universal Vault archive of favorites spans over 100 years of film and television, including anniversaries of iconic IP, including the 50th anniversary of “Jaws” in 2025.

Brand Licensing Europe takes place at ExCeL London Sept. 24-26. Visit Universal Products and Experiences at stand A171.

Register for your free ticket for Brand Licensing Europe 2024.