U.K. TOY FAIR: ITV Features Thunderbirds, Super 4

ITV Studios Global Entertainment has announced a number of new developments for the upcoming boys’ action adventure series "Thunderbirds Are Go" and third-party kids’ TV properties "Super 4" and "Matt Hatter Chronicles" at the U.K. Toy Fair in London.

Master toy partner Vivid Imaginations lead the lineup for "Thunderbirds Are Go." Timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the original "Thunderbirds" series and debuting this spring on ITV and CITV, "Thunderbirds Are Go" is a remake of the 1960s TV show that is being co-produced by ITV Studios and Pukeko Pictures in association with Weta Workshop.

Vivid Imaginations will distribute toys based on the series in Europe, Australia and New Zealand. The line is being unveiled this week at U.K. Toy Fair and includes the brand-new Tracy Island play set, a vehicle play set, detailed action figures and role play offerings.

Vivid Imaginations is joined on the Thunderbirds Are Go! licensing roster by Simon & Schuster and DC Thomson for publishing, Kokomo for personal care, Danilo for greetings and stationery, Posh Paws for accessories and MV Sports for outdoor play. Initial product, including Vivid's toy line, will hit U.K. retail this fall/winter.

ITVS GE is also showcasing the dedicated U.K. consumer products program for the new kids’ CGI comedy-adventure series, "Super 4," inspired by the Playmobil brand.

Master toy licensee Playmobil will lead the slate with the first-ever range of Super 4 figures and play sets set to launch in the U.K. in the fourth quarter, in addition to product from master publishing partners Bonnier Publishing and Redan (beginning Q1 2016).

"Super 4" has already premiered on CITV in France on France 3.

Finally, ITVS GE will be showcasing "Matt Hatter Chronicles," the third season of which has just debuted on CITV and ITV. Master toy partner Simba Smoby U.K. debuted the first Matt Hatter toy line in the U.K., EMEA and India last fall; and 2015 will mark the start of a global licensing program for the brand that will also include Australia, France, Spain and Italy.

With all major categories including publishing, apparel, games, outdoor play, gifting and stationery covered, ITVS GE is now working with its 17 U.K. licensing partners and Platinum Films to prep 2015 retail launches.

“We are thrilled to head into London Toy Fair 2015 with so much momentum behind the launch of 'Thunderbirds Are Go' and 'Super 4,'" says Trudi Hayward, senior vice president, head of global merchandising, ITVS GE. "By working closely with our licensing partners, we have built strong toy lines that have garnered great interest from the market to date. The first-ever Thunderbirds Are Go toy range is looking spectacular, in addition to the imaginative and interactive products that have been developed for Playmobil’s Super 4.”