- Toonz Media Group and Gummybear International have granted United Smile worldwide master toy rights to the Gummibär brand. The boutique manufacturer will launch a range including playsets, plush, figurines and novelty items based on animated series Gummibär and Friends (78 episodes), which has racked up more than 30 billion views on YouTube.
- UAE video game publisher Red Dune Games and Dutch developer Blast Zero are working on a 2D-animated action video game called Samurai Pizza Cats: Blast from the Past! based on Saban Entertainment’s ’90s toon Samurai Pizza Cats. Launching in 2026, the game will include puzzle-solving elements and battles featuring cats who fight villains using tech and samurai skills.
- Banijay Kids & Family and its licensing agents have signed new deals for Mr Bean: The Animated Series (pictured) with Hollywood Magic (apparel and accessories) in MENA; Forbidden Planet (apparel, accessories, gifts and home goods) in the UK and Ireland; and Nixy Children (wind-up toys) in EMEA. Season four of the series will launch later this year on platforms including HBO Max and Cartoonito (EMEA) and ITVX Kids (UK/Ireland).