Surge Licensing to be Global Licensing Agent for ‘Hellraiser’

Brand management company, Surge Licensing (Surge), has been appointed by Park Avenue Entertainment and Clive Barker as the exclusive global licensing agent for Clive Barker’s “Hellraiser,” creating a worldwide consumer products and retail program based on the first three theatrical installments of the supernatural horror franchise: “Hellraiser” (1987), “Hellbound: Hellraiser II” (1988) and “Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth (1992).” The news comes as Surge and agency partner, Caroline Mickler Licensing, are preparing to exhibit at Brand Licensing Europe (stand A180) next week, where they hope to meet with potential licensing partners. BLE takes place Sept. 24-26 at ExCeL London. You can still register or your free pass.

“Hellraiser” centers on a mysterious puzzle box, the Lament Configuration, that opens the gateway to hell. The Lament Configuration can grant people their wishes, but at a terrible price. The box is guarded by the Cenobites, a group of extra-dimensional beings said to be humans who were later transformed into supernatural creatures, led by Pinhead.

To kick off the “Hellraiser” consumer products program, Surge has appointed its first global licensing partners, including Trick or Treat Studios, which will create figures, costumes and props and Fright Rags for apparel and limited-edition collector cards. The products will feature some of the world’s most recognized horror characters, Pinhead, Chatterer, Butterball, The Engineer and more. Licensed Products are anticipated to start rolling out at retail in spring 2025. In developing the retail program, Surge will seek partners across multiple categories, including spirits, food and beverage, fragrance, games, collectibles, novelty and more.

“The ‘Hellraiser’ experience on film is always about taking audiences to places they’d never imagined, where demonic entities stalk those who believe they can outwit the forces of eternal darkness,” says Barker. “The scale of the global response to the film continues to grow, as does the hunger audiences have for seeing more of the Cenobites and their infernal judgments. Now, with this epic release of new collectible figures, masks, apparel, games, etc., through our licensing partner, Surge, Hellraiser’s vast dark mythology is achieving new heights of stylish, classic horror.

“It’s Surge’s passionate commitment to capturing every nuance of the Hellraisers’ mingling of horror and elegance that has made our partnership so rewarding. The creators at Surge are serious collectors, so I believe the marketplace will find an intensity and an authenticity in Surge’s vision, which will excite fans and collectors around the world.”

“We are thrilled Surge has been appointed the global licensing agency for ‘Hellraiser,’ a legendary horror brand with massive global recognition and a tremendous fanbase across a broad demographic,” says Mark Freedman, president, Surge Licensing. “We see endless opportunities to create unique merchandise featuring renowned Cenobite characters from the franchise and are excited to work with our first two partners, Fright Rags and Trick or Treat Studios, to develop a retail program to appeal to Hellraiser’s massive fan community, who have been craving new merchandise for years.”

“We are excited to have partnered with Surge whose decades of licensing experience and many existing relationships will enhance and expand the Hellraiser brand,” says Lawrence Kuppin, chief executive officer, Park Avenue Entertainment.

“The original ‘Hellraiser’ has been a highly sought-after property for us for many years and we are thrilled to be finally working with it,” says Ben Scrivens, president, chief executive officer, Fright Rags. “Pinhead and the Cenobites have a storied history in the pantheon of horror, and we cannot wait to lend our creative forces to the brand to create new and exciting products. We have such sights to show you.”

“As fans of all the ‘Hellraiser’ movies, Trick or Treat Studios is absolutely honored to be chosen to make the best costumes, masks and action figures for this incredible franchise,” says Chris Zephro, founder, president, Trick or Treat Studios.