Thunderbirds Are Go‘s Australian licensing agent Merchantwise has brokered several new licensing and retail partnerships down under for the new version of the iconic 1960s series.

Hachette is now on board as a publishing partner, and its line of story books, sticker books and activity books will be ready in August. For September, mass retailer Big W will launch apparel (outerwear, sleepwear, swim wear) by Hot Springs and accessories from Vimwood. Both are new licensees. Additionally, Australia Post is prepping a range of stamps inspired both the classic and revamped series.

Melbourne-based Merchantwise has also signed four new licensees for property in Australia. Kinnerton is now the confectionery partner for everyday and seasonal lines, Bensons Trading is producing showbags, Amscan will develop party goods and dress-up items, and Impact Posters will make posters and canvas prints.

Since launching in Australia this past April, season one of the new Thunderbirds Are Go series (26 x 22 minutes), co-produced by London’s ITV Studios and New Zealand-based Pukeko Pictures in collaboration with Weta Workshop (Avatar, Lord of the Rings), has consistently averaged more than 200,000 viewers on Channel 9’s GO!

In June, master toy partner Vivid Imaginations launched the toy line (vehicles, action figures and a deluxe Tracy Island play set) in Australia.

A second season of Thunderbirds Are Go has been commissioned and it is expected to begin airing in 2016 and 2017.