By
Bena Ilyas
April 23rd, 2024
Starting from 2023, the toys will be available under the Matchbox brand. In addition, Mattel is planning to debut the toys as collectibles on Mattel Creations, its elevated collector and direct-to-consumer platform.
Mattel Inc (NASDAQ: MAT), an American multinational entertainment company that specializes in the design and production of toys, has announced a multi-year partnership with SpaceX, a private aerospace company founded by Elon Musk. Within the deal, the companies will release a line of toys inspired by space.
Cooperation of Mattel and SpaceX
Starting from 2023, the toys will be available under the Matchbox brand. In addition, Mattel is planning to debut the toys as collectibles on Mattel Creations, its elevated collector and direct-to-consumer platform.
Nick Karamanos, SVP of Entertainment Partnerships at Mattel, stated:
“As space exploration advances more quickly than ever before, we are thrilled to work with SpaceX and help spark limitless play patterns for the space explorer in every kid.”
For SpaceX, the partnership with Mattel is the first-ever experience of working with a worldwide toy manufacturer.
Brian Bjelde, vice president at SpaceX, said:
“At SpaceX, we believe that a future in which humanity is out among the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one in which we are not. We look forward to working with Mattel to help inspire the next generation of space explorers and enthusiasts.”
As for the financial details of the deal, neither SpaceX nor Mattel revealed the terms of the agreement.
Mattel Exploring Space
Mattel is a leading global toy company and owner of one of the biggest catalogs of children’s and family entertainment franchises in the world. It is known for its range of brands including Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, UNO, and MEGA.
As space traveling is becoming a notable and prosperous industry, Mattel decided to be a part of this growth. In April this year, the toy giant partnered with the International Space Station (ISS) National Lab on Mission DreamStar to send two Barbie dolls to space. The purpose of the initiative was to encourage girls to consider a career in the space industry and attract them to study engineering and STEM.
Earlier, Mattel also created Barbie dolls to honor real-life astronauts and cosmonauts Sally Ride, Samantha Cristoforetti, and Anna Kikina, as well as NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson. Notably, the company has been creating space-themed toys for decades.
Today, Mattel is coming back to San Diego Comic-Con 2022, a nonprofit multi-genre entertainment event held annually in San Diego, California. With its major presence at the show, Mattel’s agenda will feature a range of big-name panels, signings, and giveaways. Notably, the company will present its exclusive new collectibles from such iconic properties as Hot Wheels, WWE, Jurassic World, Star Wars, and Masters of the Universe. The collectibles are already available online.