Warner Bros. Consumer Products Gears Up for a Super Ride

With the Studio’s commitment to 10 DC Comics theatrical releases through 2020, it’s the dawn of a new licensing super highway for Warner Bros. Consumer Products as it revs the engines for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice beginning next year.

With a full slate of new and merchandisable content across the Studio's portfolio, Warner Bros. Consumer Products is gearing up for a multitude of global licensing initiatives beginning with the latest film from DC Entertainment. The upcoming Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice brings together several of its iconic Super Hero characters, and the studio is making a major commitment to these and other recognizable Super Heroes through 2020.

The new content includes 10 films, including the much-ballyhooed Justice League; seven TV shows and various shorts, videos and games across all key demographics; the animation efforts for "Looney Tunes" and "Scooby-Doo;" plus the Fantastic Beasts trilogy and the Harry Potter franschise-inspried attraction The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which continues to expand in Universal Studios theme parks, keeping the franchise as popular as ever.

"With more than 3,700 active licensees, we continue to offer a rich portfolio of entertainment properties supporting the diverse Studio content that allows us to tap into all the different characters and great stories in the incredibly vast library, including event films, television, DC Comics universe and classic animation and film," says Brad Globe, president, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. "The perennial strength of our portfolio is what we've been able to draw on in addition to the DC Comics-based films like Man of Steel, most recently–and we've continued to grow the business year-on-year. And now we are looking ahead to a robust slate of DC Comics films, as well as the Fantastic Beasts trilogy, so we feel like we are well-positioned to support our licensees and give retailers franchises that have long performed well, but that will now have the benefit of a long-term content plan."

It has been more than five years since DC Entertainment was established to better leverage and integrate DC Comics, marking the beginning of a new era for the DC Comics universe. Also in 2011, the Harry Potter film franchise came to an end after a decade-long dominant position in licensing, retail and pop culture popularity. These factors, along with the juxtaposed success of the Marvel film franchises, perhaps created some concern among analysts regarding Warner Bros. and what its next blockbuster global property at the box office and in brand licensing would be.

But that is history as WBCP–DCE and Harry Potter are all suddenly looking much stronger than they were five years ago, with far more potential on the horizon.

"From the Super Heroes of DC Comics and the antics of 'Looney Tunes,' to the magic of Harry Potter and the fantastical world of Middle-earth, WBCP offers partners unparalleled access to beloved brands that drive its licensing, merchandising and retail businesses, covering numerous categories including toys, games, collectibles, apparel, accessories, gifts and novelties, promotional partnerships and global themed entertainment," says Globe. "Harry Potter is stronger than ever as we continue to provide fans with immersive experiences in the incredible themed lands of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, Japan and in Hollywood next year, as well as with the international traveling 'Harry Potter: The Exhibition.'"

According to the exclusive Top 150 Global Licensors report, published annually by License! Global, WBCP ranks No. 7 with $6 billion in retail sales of licensed merchandise worldwide in 2014, and the inherent opportunity to supercharge its business over the next five years and beyond.

"Content supporting all of our key properties is a huge key to our growth right now, with a broad slate of DC Comics films announced, our new girls' franchise 'DC Super Hero Girls,' as well as a world of content dedicated exclusively to our kids' business and key toy partners in 'Batman Unlimited' and 'DC Super Friends,'" explains Karen McTier, executive vice president, WBCP. "And we are excited about the Fantastic Beasts franchise, which allows us to expand the world of Harry Potter. We also have content for 'Looney Tunes,' 'Scooby-Doo' and 'Tom and Jerry.' In addition to content-driven growth, we have been diversifying our opportunities, especially in the areas of themed entertainment and casino-based gaming, where we have seen strong results."

According to Globe, the DC Comics portfolio is a company-wide priority.

"We have long had a great and close working relationship with our colleagues at DC Entertainment. Now, with so much content and diverse opportunities to explore, we are definitely working more closely than ever," he says. "Whether it's working on a theatrical tent pole event like Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice or launching 'DC Super Hero Girls' or DCKids.com, close collaboration is key to maximizing each and every opportunity."

"The DC Comics brand is in the enviable position of being home to the world's most iconic characters and stories," says Diane Nelson, president, DC Entertainment. "Fans gravitate to our superheroes not because they can leap tall buildings, have laser vision or can run faster than the speed of light, but because they are hopeful and they tell powerful and inspirational stories that appeal to multiple generations.

"WBCP has the fun job of bringing our characters to life through tangible and immersive products that become part of the fan's everyday life," adds Nelson. "We value our partnership with WBCP and work with them to find new and exciting ways to introduce DC Comics to new audiences."

The DC Comics Super Hero film slate, which was announced last October by Kevin Tsujihara, chairman and chief executive officer, Warner Bros. Entertainment, begins with Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice on March 25, 2016. The film will be followed by the release of Suicide Squad in August, Wonder Woman and Justice League Part One in 2017, The Flash and Aquaman in 2018, Shazam and Justice League Part Two in 2019 and Cyborg and Green Lantern in 2020. (See DCE sidebar above.)

"Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice opens the door to a long-term opportunity that will allow all of our licensing and retail partners around the world to plan for the future against a strong slate of films. We will maximize each of these opportunities and create a perennial presence at retailers around the world," says Globe.

"Fans around the world are excited about the slate of films announced over the next five years that will bring the world of DC Comics to life," adds McTier. "Our global licensee base has continued to have impressive success with these properties based on their universal awareness. As we move into an era of major content support, we are looking to create a consistent presence at retail that will drive growth."

The Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice film, which offers a plethora of merchandising opportunities and partnerships around the globe across all key categories, has the potential to become among one of the most comprehensive licensing programs ever. Last year, WBCP extended its 15-year partnership with Mattel as master toy licensee for the entire universe of DC Comics characters, which turned out to be a huge deal for the toy company, which lost the huge Disney Princess business. Fisher-Price will continue to produce the 'DC Super Friends' preschool line, which has become a strong property in many international markets including the U.K., Brazil, Mexico, Australia, Spain and Germany.

"With so much opportunity on the horizon, we know Mattel will bring the talents of its world-class organization to create and market product lines for fans of all ages," says Globe.

Other key licensees include Rubie's Costume Co., LEGO, Bioworld and Hallmark.

"This is the first time ever that fans will see Batman and Superman together in a theatrical event. And let's not forget the two new Batsuits, a new Batmobile, the Batwing, a new logo and Wonder Woman that all create really merchandisable elements for our partners," explains McTier. "We have had phenomenal success with each character in their own world, but now we are able to supercharge the opportunity based on the most universally recognized Super Heroes."

The rollout of film-related merchandise, according to McTier will begin about eight weeks prior to the Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice 2016 release date. The retail strategy will likely cut across all tiers and demographics and will be similar to what has already been established in the marketplace previously with Batman and Superman.

"We are working hard with our retail partners and licensees to expand our comprehensive program–from mass retail and mid-tier retailers to specialty stores and online commerce–we will bring our product to fans of all ages and consumers," explains McTier. "We are also going to offer unique promotional programs to excite and engage fans as they await the much-anticipated event film of the year."

Another strong merchandising opportunity that potentially could further attract an entirely new audience is Wonder Woman.

"Our comprehensive program will include Wonder Woman in the merchandise lines and in standalone products supporting the film," says McTier. "We have always had a robust line for Wonder Woman, and her role in this film and future films offers us more opportunities to feature her character and empowering attributes in many creative ways."

Beyond the impressive film slate and much-awaited long-term commitment to the DC Comics universe and its popular comic book characters, the studio is also focusing on various new television, gaming and social media initiatives. Slated to debut this fall is a new Super Hero universe created exclusively for girls, ages 6- to 12-years-old. Warner Bros. and DCE, in partnership with Mattel, are launching "DC Super Hero Girls" with original digital content and publishing, followed by TV specials, videos, toys, apparel, books and other product categories that will rollout in 2016.

Random House Books for Young Readers, which is the master publishing partner, will launch its program next spring. In addition, graphic novels from DCE and building sets from LEGO will also debut next year.

"We also recently announced the launch of the all-new DCKids.com, LooneyTunes.com and ScoobyDoo.com, immersive online worlds for kids to interact with their favorite Warner Bros. animation characters and DC Comics Super Heroes through original content and engaging storytelling fun," points out McTier. "These sites are designed to offer exciting content to kids any time they want, from any device, in the format they have grown to expect in today's digital environment, allowing kids to experience their immersive worlds 24/7."

There are also licensing programs based on WBTV's other TV series including "Arrow," "The Flash," "Gotham," "iZombie," "Supergirl" and "DC's Legends of Tomorrow."

The future looks super for WBCP as it gears up for a major push with DCE over the next five years, bringing new characters to the big screen and brand licensing.

"Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is the beginning of a new epic franchise and new era for DC Comics Super Heroes. This film ignites an all-new slate of theatrical films, and the opportunity we'll offer fans and consumers around the world is exciting," says Globe.

And then there is the Harry Potter franchise, which continues to thrive with its theme park worlds and events plus the huge boost the franchise will get with the new Fantastic Beasts film trilogy.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park attractions at Universal Studios Orlando and Japan, which continue to draw huge attendance, will be joined by another new attraction slated for 2016 at Universal Studios Hollywood.

In addition, there are three new films in development based on J.K. Rowling's original story and screenplay, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. The first installment will debut in 2016, followed by sequels in 2018 and 2020. David Yates, who directed the last four Harry Potter movies, will direct the film, which will again feature Rowling's wizarding world and include characters based on those found in Harry Potter's Hogwarts textbook.

Another key aspect to WBCP's licensing strategy is the group's ability to create innovative programs for its franchises across key categories from concerts to runways and racetracks.

Consider the following examples, which reflect the breadth and scope of WBCP's initiatives:

With various new content plans, a new commitment to the DC Comics Super Heroes, a multi-platform strategy, a redux of sorts for the Harry Potter franchise and the collaborations supporting "Looney Tunes," "Scooby-Doo" and "Tom and Jerry," WBCP is firing on all cylinders.

DC ENTERTAINMENT’S SUPER SLATE OF CONTENT

Theatrical

Kid-Targeted Content

Home Entertainment Releases

Television

PRODUCERS SEE LIMITLESS OPPORTUNITIES

The filmmakers are having fun with the latest Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment movie, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, which brings together three (and possibly five according to various reports) iconic characters. It’s not Justice League quite yet, but it’s definitely a glimpse into the future of the studio, marking a major commitment by the studio to its Super Hero portfolio.

“It’s exciting to have such an amazingly diverse group of characters in the DC Comics universe,” says Deborah Snyder, producer, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. “Bringing together Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman is really just the beginning of what is to come with Justice League and the standalone films ahead. The possibilities are limitless as the film versions of these worlds begin to inhabit the consumer products space.”

The first film in the lineup of 10 could certainly influence the studio’s direction over the next five years.

“It’s thrilling to be making a film about any one of the heroes in Batman v Superman; the fact that our story allows for us to integrate three of the most iconic characters in modern American literature is not only exciting, but also daunting,” says Charles Roven, producer Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. “In many ways it’s an honor and a responsibility. At the same time the legacy of these characters is so rich and diverse, so fun and interesting one can’t help but smile as we go to work every day.”