Zavvi Launches Pokemon Merchandise

Mattel Game Studios, in collaboration with Twin Atlas, has released Masters of the Universe: Battle for Grayskull worldwide on Roblox. The faction-based action role-playing game (RPG) allows players to join either He-Man and the Heroic Warriors or Skeletor and the Evil Warriors in a battle to gain control of Castle Grayskull.

Drawing inspiration from the latest Masters of the Universe film and the franchise's established storyline, the game brings characters, locations, and adventures from Eternia to the Roblox platform. Players can explore the fictional world, complete missions, strengthen their characters and influence the outcome of the fight for Castle Grayskull.

The gameplay includes exploring locations such as Snake Mountain and Subternia, defeating bosses, collecting loot and discovering equipment. Players can also wield different weapons, unlock abilities and customise their gameplay through a skill tree. Additional features include character progression, achievements and opportunities to develop skills as they advance through the game.

The experience is designed around player choices, with adventures and progression varying according to the decisions made during gameplay. By combining faction-based combat, exploration and character development, the game brings the Masters of the Universe franchise to a new digital gaming environment.

"The best experiences on Roblox are built with the platform, its community and its players in mind. With Masters of the Universe: Battle for Grayskull, our goal wasn't simply to bring Masters of the Universe to Roblox – it was to build an experience that belongs there while staying true to the characters, world and action that have made the franchise a fan favorite for generations," shared Sean Thompson, vice president, Mattel Game Studios.

Homegrown streetwear brand Bonkers Corner has partnered with JioStar Consumer Products as the official Drip Partner for the fifth season of hip-hop reality show Hustle, titled Apna Homeground. The collaboration brings an exclusive licensed merchandise collection inspired by the show, extending its association with Indian hip-hop culture into everyday fashion.

The Hustle x Bonkers collection features more than 40 styles, including oversized T-shirts, relaxed-fit bottoms and statement layering pieces. Drawing inspiration from the show's identity, language, and Apna Homeground theme, the range incorporates baggy silhouettes and bold graphics associated with streetwear and hip-hop culture.

The partnership aims to connect the show's audience with fashion through merchandise that reflects the self-expression and individuality associated with the genre. It also combines JioStar's entertainment property with Bonkers Corner's presence in India's streetwear market, which caters to Gen Z and millennial consumers.

Mahesh Shetty, Head - Entertainment Sales, TV, JioStar said, “Over the seasons, Hustle has given India's hip-hop community a stage, a voice and an identity. Style is central to that identity, and what our Hustlers wear is a natural extension of the music they make. In Bonkers Corner, we found a partner that speaks the same language as our audience and understands street culture from the inside, which allowed us to build a collection that lets fans carry the spirit of Hustle well beyond the screen. With Shop the Look on JioHotstar working alongside Bonkers Corner's strong online and retail presence, the journey from watching to wearing becomes seamless, and this is exactly the kind of authentic, culture-led collaboration we want to build our consumer products business on, one that deepens the bond between our IPs and the fans who love them."

Shubham Gupta, Founder, Bonkers Corner shared, “We’ve always built Bonkers around self-expression, and Hustle embodies that mindset. This collaboration lets us take streetwear beyond fashion and into the culture, energy and conversations shaping young India.”

The collection is available through the Bonkers Corner website and app, as well as across its 44 retail stores in India. Consumers can also purchase outfits featured on the show through JioHotstar's 'Shop the Look' feature while watching Hustle, connecting on-screen discovery with shopping.

For Bonkers Corner, the association builds on its focus on street culture, individuality, and self-expression. For JioStar Consumer Products, the partnership adds a merchandise offering linked to an established entertainment property, creating another way for audiences to engage with the show beyond the screen.

OPPO India has joined Lollapalooza India 2027 as an associate partner, bringing its Reno smartphone series to the music festival through interactive on-ground activations and consumer engagement initiatives.

The collaboration aims to connect technology with music and youth culture, with OPPO looking to strengthen its engagement with Gen Z audiences through the festival. The brand plans to create interactive experiences that will allow attendees to explore different ways of capturing and sharing their moments at the event.

The association aligns with the Reno series' focus on photography, design, and artificial intelligence (AI)-powered creative features. Through the partnership, OPPO intends to engage consumers by bringing together music, content creators, communities and cultural experiences.

Lollapalooza India 2027 is set to feature Indian and international artists across multiple music genres. OPPO's participation will focus on the convergence of technology, creativity and live music, positioning the Reno series within a festival environment that encourages audience interaction and content creation.

The partnership also reflects OPPO's broader experience-led marketing strategy, which focuses on connecting with younger consumers through cultural events and shared experiences. By participating in music festivals, the company aims to create opportunities for audiences to engage with its products beyond conventional marketing channels.

Crocs has launched its festive season campaign in India under its global Feel It All platform, featuring brand ambassador KL Rahul and a diverse lineup of personalities. The campaign highlights changing festive celebrations in modern India, where consumers are increasingly seeking styles that reflect individuality while maintaining comfort.

The campaign is anchored by a social-first film starring KL Rahul. Built around a playful ‘dhoom scroll’ concept, the film transforms Rahul’s social media feed into a series of festive experiences. As he scrolls through different posts, he is transported into various celebratory settings featuring actor Dalip Tahil, creators Rida Tharana and Prish, and internet personality Amin Khan.

Accompanied by an original soundtrack composed by Mikey McCleary, the film explores the intersection of digital and real-world celebrations. Through a sequence of festive moments and encounters, the narrative emphasizes that while social media captures the spirit of the season, meaningful celebrations are ultimately shared with people in real life.

The campaign also showcases Crocs’ festive capsule collection, including the Classic Ballet silhouette and Saturday Sandal, paired with embellished Jibbitz charms. The collection is positioned around the themes of comfort, personalization and festive styling, demonstrating how consumers can adapt the footwear to suit their individual celebrations.

Varun Sehgal, SVP & General Manager, APAC, Crocs said, "India's festive season is not only a key business moment but also a powerful expression of culture, identity and individuality. With Feel It All, we wanted to celebrate the different ways people show up during this time of year. By pairing our iconic silhouettes with festive styling and personalization, we're giving consumers fresh inspiration to make Crocs a part of their celebrations while staying true to their own unique style."

KL Rahul, Crocs’ Global Brand Ambassador added, “I am someone who usually enjoys being away from the spotlight, so being part of a film with so much energy and personality was fun for me. What made the experience even more interesting was discovering how I could style Crocs shoes and Jibbitz charms with festive looks and seeing how naturally they worked with even the most elevated outfits.”

Conceptualised by creative agency One Hand Clap, the campaign uses KL Rahul’s social media feed as a storytelling device to connect multiple festive narratives and personalities. According to the company, the film aims to celebrate self-expression and individuality during the festive season.

Nirzery Iswalkar, Group Creative Head, One Hand Clap, said, “The idea was to create a festive celebration that feels as varied and unpredictable as the people in it. KL Rahul’s social media feed gave us the perfect device to move between different worlds, personalities and moments while keeping the film playful and full of energy. Every swipe brings a new story, but Crocs is the thread that brings them all together.”

As part of its festive marketing strategy, Crocs will extend the Feel It All campaign through a 360-degree rollout across digital, social media, influencer partnerships and retail channels. The initiative will also include creator collaborations, festive gifting programs, in-store activations and seasonal product assortments aimed at strengthening the brand’s positioning around comfort, style and personalization during the festive season.

Mattel Game Studios has introduced Barbie DreamStyle on Roblox, expanding the Barbie brand’s presence in the gaming space through a new fashion-focused interactive experience. The project has been developed in collaboration with Roblox and game developer Exclusible, alongside Roblox designer Dioncella, who is widely recognized for her work on "Dress to Impress."

The new experience allows players to join up with as many as three friends and create themed fashion looks within a five-minute timeframe before entering a voting round. Designed around creativity and self-expression, Barbie DreamStyle offers access to more than 260 customizable outfit options, featuring tools for adjusting colors, patterns, sizing, and layered styling.

Players can personalize avatars using a variety of body types, skin tones, and hairstyles. At launch, the game includes six playable environments and more than 50 themed fashion challenges aimed at enhancing engagement and replayability.

The platform also incorporates a rewards system where participants can earn likes and stars that unlock in-game currency, exclusive items, and other incentives. Additional rewards are available for users who play alongside friends, encouraging social interaction within the experience.

To further enhance engagement, Barbie DreamStyle features a dedicated Photo Mode that enables players to capture and showcase their fashion creations. A built-in social hub also allows users to share designs and connect with other players across the platform.

As part of the ongoing content rollout, Roblox creator iBella has partnered with the Barbie team to develop an original digital fashion look. The exclusive design is expected to be introduced to players in a future update.

The launch highlights Mattel’s continued investment in digital gaming experiences and user-generated platforms, leveraging Roblox’s global audience to deepen engagement with the Barbie brand through interactive fashion and social gameplay.

The LEGO Group and Sanrio have announced a new global collaboration that will bring Hello Kitty and Friends into the LEGO universe for the first time. As part of the partnership, fans can expect a range of LEGO Sanrio products inspired by the popular characters and their world, with the first collections scheduled to launch in 2027.

The collaboration unites two globally recognized brands known for creating engaging experiences centered around creativity, play, and entertainment. Through the partnership, LEGO and Sanrio aim to introduce new building experiences that celebrate the charm of Hello Kitty and other fan-favorite Sanrio characters through LEGO brick-based play.

The LEGO Group, the Denmark-based company behind the iconic LEGO brick, has spent more than nine decades developing interactive play experiences for children and families worldwide. Sanrio, meanwhile, is known for creating globally popular characters that have become a part of popular culture and consumer products across multiple generations.

Together, the companies plan to develop LEGO sets that bring the Sanrio universe to life, featuring Hello Kitty alongside several well-known characters from the brand’s portfolio.

Lena Dixen, Senior Vice President, Global Product Groups, The LEGO Group shared, “We’re thrilled to reveal this partnership with Sanrio and introduce the Hello Kitty and Friends characters and universe to fans in LEGO play sets for the very first time. Hello Kitty is an iconic character, an instantly recognizable, global lifestyle phenomenon that has inspired happiness across generations, and her universal appeal pairs perfectly with the imaginative power and limitless possibilities of LEGO play, we hope to create memorable moments of unforgettable fun.”

Wataru Nakatsuka, Senior Managing Director, Sanrio added, “We’re delighted to partner with the LEGO Group to reimagine our beloved characters through the joy of LEGO play. This collaboration marks an exciting milestone for Sanrio as we continue to create meaningful moments for people around the world, guided by our vision of ‘One World, Connecting Smiles’. We look forward to seeing how this partnership will inspire creativity and bring joy across generations in the years ahead.”

The partnership marks a significant addition to the growing portfolio of character-based collaborations in the toys and licensing industry. By combining LEGO’s building play experience with Sanrio’s globally recognized character universe, the companies aim to create new products that appeal to both longtime fans and younger audiences when the collection debuts in 2027.

Doraemon the Movie: New Nobita and the Castle of the Undersea Devil has launched an extensive marketing campaign across India as it gears up for its theatrical release on October 2, 2026.

Presented by TV Asahi and releasing in theatres through PVR INOX Pictures, the film’s India marketing and licensing efforts are being spearheaded by Black White Orange (BWO), with strategic consulting support from Happening 365 Synergies.

The promotional campaign covers a wide range of channels, including out-of-home advertising, digital platforms, radio, experiential activations, school outreach initiatives, and retail engagement programs. As part of the visibility drive, the film has also been promoted through branded buses and auto-rickshaws in several major markets.

To strengthen its connection with younger audiences and families, the movie has introduced a dedicated school contact programme. Additionally, a partnership with KidZania has been established to create an interactive edutainment experience inspired by Doraemon and the film’s storyline.

The campaign is supported by collaborations across licensing, consumer products, digital marketing, outdoor media, radio, and experiential engagement. Key partners associated with the initiative include Black White Orange (BWO), Fanthology, Econama, KidZania, RED FM, ANA India, Nitori Japan, and Yakult Danone India.

Ahead of the nationwide release, the film held its India premiere in Mumbai on September 26, bringing together producers, media representatives, influencers, children, and families for a special screening.

The upcoming title marks the 45th feature film in the globally popular Doraemon franchise. Indian audiences will also have the opportunity to watch the movie in 4DX, offering an immersive viewing experience that complements the film’s deep-sea adventure setting.

Formula 1 and Mattel are expanding their partnership with the introduction of a new F1 Car Collection Pack for the Hot Wheels Infinite Rush video game, scheduled for release in March 2027. The launch will mark the first time official Formula 1 cars are playable in a Hot Wheels gaming title, bringing the entire 2026 Formula 1 grid to players worldwide.

Developed in collaboration with racing game studio Milestone, the downloadable content pack will feature all 22 official Formula 1 team cars, recreated from their Hot Wheels die-cast versions. The vehicles will be added to the game's Speeder category, the fastest class in Hot Wheels Infinite Rush, alongside a lineup of more than 150 vehicles.

The upcoming launch represents the latest milestone in the partnership between Formula 1 and Mattel, which began in 2024. According to the companies, the F1 Car Collection Pack is the largest gaming initiative undertaken as part of the collaboration to date.

The announcement follows recent recognition for the Formula 1 and Hot Wheels partnership, which received the Best Licensed Toys or Games Range award at the 2026 Licensing Awards.

Emily Prazer, Chief Commercial Officer, Formula 1 said, "Our partnership with Mattel and Hot Wheels keeps evolving for our fans, and this latest move gives them the opportunity to race their favorite driver's car in the 'Hot Wheels Infinite Rush' video game. They can play against friends and family, immersing themselves in the world of F1 and enjoying the speed, competition, and drama of the sport in a whole new format. We know it's going to be hugely popular given the reaction to the previous F1 Hot Wheels die-cast cars, and we can't wait to see fans get behind the wheel when the F1 Car Collection Pack launches in March 2027."

Andrea Loiudice, Publishing Director, Milestone shared, "We're incredibly proud to be the first to bring Formula 1 Hot Wheels die-cast cars to a video game. The opportunity to work alongside such prestigious partners as Mattel and Formula 1 is a great testament to the trust they place in Milestone and in our ability to deliver high-quality racing experiences. Bringing the full 2026 F1 grid to 'Hot Wheels Infinite Rush' with the F1 Car Collection Pack is an exciting milestone for us, and we're sure players around the world will be just as thrilled to enjoy these iconic cars in a whole new way."

Erika Winterholler, Head, Licensed Games, Mattel added, "The combination of Formula 1's authenticity and Milestone's racing expertise created a unique opportunity to deliver something truly special for Hot Wheels fans. Bringing the full 2026 Formula 1 grid to Hot Wheels Infinite Rush reflects our approach to building best-in-class gaming experiences through great partnerships, while continuing to expand how fans engage with the Hot Wheels brand."

Currently available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, ROG Xbox Ally, ROG Xbox Ally X, and PC via Steam, Microsoft Store, and Epic Games Store, Hot Wheels Infinite Rush will add the F1 Car Collection Pack as downloadable content beginning in March 2027, allowing players to race official Formula 1 cars within the game for the first time.

The Noble Collection has announced a global, multi-year licensing agreement with Hasbro to develop and market officially licensed merchandise inspired by the Transformers franchise. The first products under the partnership became available for pre-order on August 27.

Under the agreement, The Noble Collection has secured worldwide rights to create products based on Transformers Generations, covering both the original Generation 1 (G1) animated series and the Transformers live-action film universe. The company plans to expand its portfolio with a range of accessories, stationery items, games, and collectibles aimed at fans and collectors.

Originally introduced in 1984, the Transformers franchise has grown from a toy line and animated television series into a global entertainment property spanning films, comic books, television content, and consumer products. The brand is known for iconic characters such as Optimus Prime, Megatron, the Autobots, and the Decepticons.

The initial product lineup includes articulated keychains, unisex bracelets, and collectible dioramas. Additional products are expected to be introduced as part of the long-term collaboration. The collection will be distributed through retail partners across North America, Europe, and other international markets, while pre-orders are currently open through The Noble Collection’s official website.

Julian Montoya, President, The Noble Collection said, "The Transformers franchise has stood at the heart of pop culture for more than 40 years, and it is an honor for The Noble Collection to bring this universe to life through officially licensed product. From the G1 series that started it all to the blockbuster films that introduced Transformers to a new generation, this collaboration lets us celebrate the full breadth of the brand. We can't wait for fans and collectors around the world to roll out with us this Fall."

The licensing partnership is expected to strengthen Transformers' presence in the global collectibles and licensed merchandise market while offering fans a broader selection of products inspired by the franchise's four-decade legacy.

Pop culture lifestyle brand Funko has introduced a new collection of POP! collectibles inspired by Sarah J. Maas’ bestselling fantasy book series A Court of Thorns and Roses, expanding its lineup for fans and collectors.

The latest range brings several well-known characters from the fictional world of Prythian to the POP! collection. The assortment includes figures of Tamlin, Lucien Vanserra, The Suriel, Rhysand, and a POP Premium: Feyre figure depicting the character painting a set of drawers. The collectibles are available through Funko.com.

The company has also launched exclusive POP! figures of Amarantha and Tamlin (Beast Form) on its website. These editions include a flocked Chase variant designed for collectors seeking limited and special releases.

In addition to Funko’s offerings, Loungefly is set to introduce a companion collection based on the fantasy franchise in October, extending the brand experience beyond collectibles.

Fans can also access retailer-exclusive releases, including the Barnes & Noble-exclusive Feyre Archeron POP! figure and the Books-A-Million-exclusive Feyre Under the Mountain POP! figure, available through their respective retail channels.

Written by Sarah J. Maas, the A Court of Thorns and Roses series currently comprises five New York Times bestselling titles: A Court of Thorns and Roses, A Court of Mist and Fury, A Court of Wings and Ruin, A Court of Frost and Starlight, and A Court of Silver Flames. The franchise is set to expand further, with the next two books scheduled for release in October and January, respectively.

Smartphone brand realme has announced a multi-city promotional campaign to mark the launch of the realme 16 Pro 5G Harry Potter Edition, introducing a specially designed Harry Potter-themed bus activation that will travel across key cities in North India.

As part of the initiative, the branded bus will visit Delhi, Chandigarh, Jalandhar, Jaipur, and Noida, offering consumers an immersive Harry Potter-inspired experience while showcasing the newly launched special-edition smartphone.

The activation is aimed at engaging students, creators, and young consumers by bringing the product experience directly to them. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the realme 16 Pro 5G Harry Potter Edition, participate in themed activities, and interact with experiences inspired by the popular wizarding franchise.

In addition to product demonstrations, the campaign will feature interactive games, engagement activities, and giveaways. According to the company, participants at various bus stops will have the opportunity to win prizes, including the realme 16 Pro 5G Harry Potter Edition smartphone, realme earbuds, and other branded merchandise.

The multi-city roadshow is scheduled to begin in Delhi on September 21, before moving to Chandigarh, Jalandhar, Jaipur, and Noida as part of the promotional tour.

The first stop of the activation will be at IPU, Dwarka Campus, Delhi, where realme plans to host an on-ground experience tailored for students, content creators, and technology enthusiasts. The event is expected to provide attendees with hands-on access to the limited-edition smartphone while highlighting its Harry Potter-inspired design and features.

The campaign reflects the growing trend of consumer technology brands leveraging pop culture collaborations and experiential marketing initiatives to connect with younger audiences. By combining a themed roadshow with product engagement activities, realme aims to strengthen awareness around the special-edition device and create a distinctive launch experience.

The realme 16 Pro 5G Harry Potter Edition joins a growing list of branded collaborations in the smartphone industry, where manufacturers increasingly partner with entertainment franchises to offer limited-edition products designed to appeal to fan communities and collectors.

Quick commerce platform Blinkit has partnered with Pokémon to launch a limited-edition collectible campaign, introducing specially designed delivery bags featuring popular Pokémon characters.

As part of the collaboration, customers ordering through Blinkit will have the opportunity to receive and collect exclusive Blinkit x Pokémon bags, each showcasing different Pokémon-themed designs. The initiative aims to transform everyday deliveries into a collectible experience for fans of the globally popular franchise.

To further engage consumers, Blinkit is encouraging participants to share their Pokémon bag collections on Instagram. Fans who showcase their collections as part of the campaign will have a chance to win a round-trip trip to Japan for themselves and a companion.

The contest is open until October 5, 2026, giving customers several weeks to collect different bag variants and participate in the social media challenge.

The collaboration combines the growing appeal of collectible merchandise with consumer engagement initiatives, leveraging Pokémon’s strong fan following across age groups. By incorporating themed packaging into its delivery ecosystem, Blinkit is creating an interactive brand experience that extends beyond the purchase and delivery process.

The campaign reflects a broader trend among retail and quick commerce brands of using licensed entertainment properties and limited-edition merchandise to drive customer engagement and create memorable consumer experiences.

With the limited-edition Pokémon bags now rolling out through deliveries, Blinkit aims to offer fans an opportunity to collect exclusive designs while participating in a contest that could lead to a trip to Japan, the home of the Pokémon franchise.

Finsbury Food Group has expanded its licensed celebration cake portfolio through a collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products (WBDGCP), unveiling a new Harry Potter-themed cake ahead of a major milestone for the franchise.

The launch comes as 2026 marks 25 years since Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone first arrived on the big screen, celebrating the enduring popularity of one of the world’s most recognizable entertainment brands.

Created to appeal to both long-time fans and younger audiences discovering the Wizarding World for the first time, the new celebration cake incorporates several iconic elements associated with the Harry Potter universe.

The cake features layers of chocolate sponge and chocolate frosting, covered in burgundy icing accented with gold details inspired by Gryffindor House. Decorative elements include chocolate versions of the Golden Snitch and the Sorting Hat, while the Hogwarts crest is highlighted with gold lustre detailing. Weighing 1 kilogram, the cake is designed to serve up to 16 people.

The introduction of the product follows continued demand for licensed celebration cakes across the UK retail market, where character-themed products remain a popular choice for birthdays and family gatherings. Finsbury Food Group believes the cross-generational appeal of Harry Potter presents a strong opportunity within the celebration cake category, attracting both nostalgic consumers and younger fans.

Andrew Scott, Brand Manager, Finsbury Food Group said, “With so much to celebrate this year within the world of Harry Potter, we felt this was the perfect moment to launch a new cake inspired by the franchise. Harry Potter has an incredibly loyal fanbase, from those who grew up with the original stories and watching the films in cinemas, to younger audiences discovering the magic for the very first time. The cake will become a permanent addition to Tesco’s celebration cake range, giving fans a spell-binding option for birthdays and special occasions throughout the year.”

The new product will join Tesco’s celebration cake lineup as a permanent offering, providing consumers with a themed option for birthdays and other celebrations while commemorating the legacy of the Harry Potter franchise as it approaches its landmark anniversary.

The LEGO Group has expanded its gaming-themed portfolio with the launch of the new LEGO PlayStation set, a detailed 1,911-piece construction kit designed to recreate the iconic original PlayStation console and its controller. The set was officially unveiled during PlayStation’s State of Play presentation on September 3.

Designed as a tribute to one of gaming’s most recognizable systems, the model closely mirrors the appearance of the first-generation PlayStation. The buildable replica is crafted at an almost 1:1 scale and measures more than 6 cm in height, 26 cm in width, and 19 cm in depth. It also incorporates interactive details, including functioning Open and Power buttons, along with a brick-built controller that can be connected to the console.

Beyond the exterior design, the set offers additional features aimed at gaming enthusiasts and collectors. Hidden within the console are two buildable dioramas inspired by classic PlayStation titles.

One diorama recreates a miniature racing scene from Gran Turismo, the acclaimed driving game that first debuted in 1997, complete with tiny vehicles. The second showcases a memorable moment from Ape Escape, the 1999 platform adventure game, and includes the franchise’s distinctive red or blue monkey helmet.

Both dioramas have been designed to fit inside the console structure when not on display, allowing builders to either conceal them within the model or showcase them separately as standalone gaming tributes.

The release reflects LEGO’s continued focus on collaborations with major entertainment and gaming brands, offering fans collectible sets that celebrate landmark moments in pop culture and interactive entertainment.

The LEGO PlayStation (72306) set will be available to LEGO Insiders through an early-access launch beginning October 1. A wider release will follow on October 4, when the product becomes available to all customers through LEGO’s official website, LEGO Stores, and selected retail partners.

JioHotstar has extended its global footprint with the launch of its streaming platform in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Singapore, marking a significant step in the company’s international growth strategy.

The service will provide subscribers access to a vast content catalogue featuring over 160,000 hours of entertainment across more than 12 Asian languages. The offering spans films, television series, original productions, regional programming, reality shows, children’s content, and anime. JioHotstar has also announced plans to add more than 30,000 hours of fresh content each year.

The platform’s lineup includes popular originals such as Asur, Pritam & Pedro, Special Ops, Criminal Justice, Heartbeat, and Resort, alongside films including Dhurandhar, 12th Fail, Chhichhore, Kesari Chapter 2, and Kill.

In addition to on-demand content, the streaming service will feature programming from several JioStar television networks, including Star Plus, Colors, Star Vijay, Asianet, Star Jalsha, and Star Pravah. In Canada and Singapore, select television shows will be available on the platform ahead of their scheduled TV telecast, while audiences in the UK will be able to stream certain titles simultaneously with their television premiere.

To cater to viewers in these international markets, JioHotstar has rolled out both quarterly and annual subscription options. Quarterly plans are priced at GBP 19.99 in the UK, CAD 19.99 in Canada, and SGD 29.98 in Singapore. Annual memberships are available for GBP 69.99, CAD 49.99, and SGD 69.98, respectively.

The company confirmed that existing Hotstar subscribers in these regions will be migrated to corresponding JioHotstar plans. UK users currently on monthly subscriptions will be able to retain their plans as long as automatic renewals remain active.

JioHotstar is also enhancing viewer engagement through interactive features linked to Bigg Boss. Audiences in the UK, Canada, and Singapore will be able to participate in live voting across various editions of the reality show. Additionally, viewers in the UK and Canada will gain access to a 24-hour live stream, while subscribers in Canada will be able to watch Bigg Boss Hindi episodes up to seven days before they air on television.

The streaming platform will be accessible across smartphones and connected TV devices via the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Speaking about the expansion, Amit Malhotra, Head of International Business at JioStar, noted that the company aims to broaden its reach beyond the Indian and South Asian diaspora and attract a wider global audience.

Popular anime franchise SPY x FAMILY has partnered with Filbar’s Multiverse for an immersive retail activation at New Gateway Mall in the Philippines, offering fans a chance to step into the world of the globally acclaimed series through a themed pop-up experience.

Facilitated by Muse Communication, the collaboration transforms the beloved anime property into a physical fan destination where visitors can engage with characters, explore exclusive merchandise, and participate in interactive experiences inspired by the franchise. The initiative reflects the growing trend of entertainment IPs extending beyond screens and into experiential retail environments across Asia.

The SPY x FAMILY pop-up brings fan-favourite characters such as Anya Forger, Loid Forger, Yor Forger, and Bond into a retail setting designed to recreate elements of the anime’s universe. Visitors can explore themed displays, take photographs with character installations, and browse licensed merchandise inspired by the series. The activation aims to deepen fan engagement by creating an experience that goes beyond content consumption and allows audiences to interact with the brand in a more tangible way.

Located at Filbar’s Gateway Mall store within New Gateway Mall, one of Metro Manila’s prominent shopping destinations, the activation highlights the increasing role of malls and specialty retailers in bringing entertainment properties closer to consumers. Filbar’s, known for its focus on comics, collectibles, toys, and pop culture merchandise, has become a key destination for fandom-driven retail experiences in the Philippines.

The collaboration also underscores the growing influence of anime licensing and merchandising across Asia. As anime audiences continue to expand, rights holders and licensing agencies are increasingly exploring experiential formats that combine retail, entertainment, and social engagement. These activations create new touchpoints for fans while opening additional revenue opportunities through merchandise sales and brand partnerships.

For Muse Communication, which manages and licenses several leading anime properties across the region, the SPY x FAMILY x Filbar’s Multiverse collaboration represents another step in strengthening the franchise’s presence outside traditional streaming and broadcast platforms. The company has been actively driving anime-focused experiences, pop-ups, and licensing programmes across multiple Asian markets.

Pudgy Penguins has introduced its first collectible figurines, created in partnership with German toy manufacturer Schleich, bringing popular characters Pax and Polly into a physical collectible format. The launch marks the debut product of the collaboration between the two brands and represents a new step in Pudgy Penguins’ expansion into the character licensing and entertainment space. 

The limited-edition collection features PVC figurines of Pax and Polly, each standing approximately 2.5 inches tall and designed in their signature blue and pink colour schemes. While the figures are packaged and sold individually through retail channels, the Pudgy Penguins release will be offered as a bundled set featuring both characters.

A distinctive feature of the collection is that the two figurines are designed to interlock and form a hug when placed together, reflecting the relationship between the characters within the Pudgy Penguins universe.

Luca Netz, Chief Executive Officer of Pudgy Penguins said, “Seeing Pax Pengu and Polly become Schleich figures is a meaningful milestone for Pudgy Penguins. Schleich has been making figurines for generations and has helped bring some of the world’s most recognizable entertainment properties into physical form. For Pax and Polly to become part of that tradition shows how far Pudgy Penguins has evolved as a character brand and where we believe these characters can go globally.”

Fans were given an early preview of the figures during the 2026 edition of San Diego Comic-Con, where Pudgy Penguins showcased Pax Pengu and Polly ahead of the official launch. According to the company, the figurines emerged as one of its best-selling products during the event, highlighting strong interest from collectors and fans.

The design concept is rooted in the role Pax Pengu and Polly play within the Pudgy Penguins ecosystem. The characters are known for representing friendship, loyalty, and adventure, and have gained popularity through social media content and viral memes shared among friends and couples.

David Albert, President, Schleich North America shared, “Pax and Polly have become the heart of so much of the storytelling happening around Pudgy Penguins. People share these characters with the person they love, so we wanted the physical product to capture the magic of that same relationship. You can collect Pax or Polly individually, but when you bring them together, they actually connect. That feels incredibly true to who these characters are.”

The Pudgy Penguins x Schleich Pax & Polly Bundle, which includes one Pax figure and one Polly figure, will be made available in limited quantities through the Pudgy Penguins website beginning August 28.

In the weeks following the launch, the figures will also be sold through additional retail channels, including Schleich’s online store, Amazon, Fred Meyer and IT'SUGAR.

Jazwares is extending the reach of its construction and building toy line, BLDR, through a new partnership with Monster Jam MAX, bringing the brand into the Roblox ecosystem while also introducing a fresh range of Monster Jam-themed building sets for consumers.

The integration allows Roblox players to race, customize, and upgrade Monster Jam trucks within the Monster Jam MAX experience, including selected BLDR-inspired Monster Jam vehicle builds. The move marks BLDR’s entry into the digital gaming space, creating an interactive connection between physical toys and virtual gameplay.

Originally launched in early 2025, BLDR was designed to enable children and collectors to build, customize, and play with models inspired by well-known entertainment and consumer brands. Through its latest collaboration, the toy line is translating the high-energy world of Monster Jam into brick-built sets that recreate the excitement of freestyle stunts, jumps, and arena action.

The new collection is currently available through Amazon and Target, offering several vehicle-themed building sets inspired by popular Monster Jam trucks.

Among the key products in the lineup is the BLDR Monster Jam Megalodon Smash and Launch Building Set, a construction set based on the shark-inspired Megalodon truck. The model includes authentic design elements, official BKT tires, a launch ramp, and a modular stunt system that allows users to create different display and play configurations.

Another addition is the BLDR Monster Jam Zombie Smash and Launch Building Set, inspired by the fan-favorite Zombie truck. The set features the vehicle’s signature graphics, official BKT tires, a functional launcher, and customizable ramps designed for stunt-based play.

The collection also includes the Monstruction Feature Vehicle Truck ThunderROARus, a 10-inch buildable model that transforms from a freewheeling Monster Jam truck into a dinosaur capable of crushing a car as part of its play feature.

Rounding out the range is the Monstruction Build and Crash Megalodon, an 8-inch buildable version of the Megalodon monster truck. The model incorporates a crash-action mechanism that causes parts to detach during impact, allowing children to rebuild the truck and continue play.