Independent licensing company Rocket Licensing, which represents the world-famous Godzilla brand in the UK and Ireland on behalf of Japanese licensor and brand owner Toho, has announced the signing of three new licenses. The agreements, in the apparel and home textiles categories, are announced as excitement builds in the run-up to the launch of Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Entertainment’s new blockbuster film, Godzilla: King of the Monsters, this May.
Park Agencies, a leading designer and developer of licensed merchandise and apparel, are producing a cool line of adults’ and kids’ daywear inspired by the new film. Tees and sweats are launching across UK fashion retail, grocery and online this spring. Park Agencies are also set to respond to demand for daywear featuring the ultimate monster brand in several EMEA territories.
A deal has also been inked with leading character nightwear and swimwear supplier TDP Aykroyds to bring a range of children’s and adult’s nightwear and underwear to the market.
Texco, an expert in licensed children’s designs for home textiles, is currently developing a range of bedding to launch in time for the new movie. Texco is also exploring opportunities for further product ranges to feature towels, cushions, slippers and novelty gowns.
The new product ranges will make use of a comprehensive new style guide that offers bold and distinctive graphics and imagery of Godzilla and the other incredible creatures from Legendary’s Monsterverse appearing in Godzilla: King of the Monsters, as well as the striking logos created for the film.
Godzilla: King of the Monsters is scheduled for release in May and stars an internationally famous cast, including Kyle Chandler, Vera Farmiga, Millie Bobby Brown, Bradley Whitford, Sally Hawkins, Charles Dance, Thomas Middleditch, Aisha Hinds, O’Shea Jackson Jr., David Strathairn, with Ken Watanabe, and Ziyi Zhang. The new film follows the heroic efforts of the crypto-zoological agency Monarch as its members face off against a battery of god-sized monsters, including the mighty Godzilla, who collides with Mothra, Rodan, and his ultimate nemesis, the three-headed King Ghidorah. When these ancient super-species—thought to be mere myths—rise again, they all vie for supremacy, leaving humanity’s very existence hanging in the balance. Following in 2020, the next instalment of the Monsterverse, Godzilla vs. Kong, will give two of the world’s most popular film monsters even more appropriately gargantuan exposure.
Both Rocket and Toho expect demand for licensed product to be higher than ever this year as the prehistoric sea monster celebrates 65 years of terror and mayhem. A retail phenomenon ever since its first appearance in 1954, Godzilla has attracted fans all over the world, and inspired numerous tributes from the worlds of film, gaming, literature and art. Target categories for licensed product include toy and novelty, gifting, publishing, games and puzzles, stationery, social stationery, and accessories. The core target market for the brand is expected to be adult men and boys, as well, of course, as fans of the classic movie monster who has had a high profile for decades. There is also likely to be a strong secondary market among parents, gift buyers and adult women.
Rob Wijeratna, Joint Managing Director of Rocket Licensing, says: “The return of one of the most successful film properties in history has excited both filmgoers and the licensing industry, as the signing of these three major players in their categories proves. 2019 is the 65th year since he first lurched out of the sea and onto our screens, Godzilla is as big – in every sense – as ever!!”
