Playmates Toys will create a line of intricately detailed action figures and accessories with exceptional sculpting and innovative special features. The products will capture the fearsome power of King Kong and his adversaries and will enable kids and collectors to recreate epic battles on the mysterious Skull Island.
"We are confident in Playmates Toys' ability to develop a wide variety of toys that will build off the excitement of the astonishing fantasy world Peter Jackson is creating for 'King Kong,' and to offer a variety of environments and play patterns that will be well-received at retail," said Cynthia Modders, senior vice president, Universal Studios Consumer Products Group.
Playmates Toys' President, Lou Novak added, "The King Kong story lives in the imagination of today's children and generations of adult fans. We are proud to have been chosen to interpret Mr. Jackson's vision for the King Kong legend and we are very pleased to partner with the talented and experienced team at Universal Studios Consumer Products Group to deliver on the promise and potential of this exceptional property."
Universal Studios Consumer Products Group continues to confirm licensing and promotional opportunities across all product categories including apparel, accessories, interactive games, publishing, collectibles, fine art, home furnishing, food and beverages, gifts, stationery products and wireless communication devices and accessories.
About "King Kong"
"King Kong" stars Academy Award(R) nominee Naomi Watts ("21 Grams"), Jack Black ("School of Rock"), Academy Award(R) winner Adrien Brody ("The Pianist"), Andy Serkis ("The Lord of the Rings" trilogy), Thomas Kretschmann ("U-571"), Colin Hanks and Kyle Chandler. Jan Blenkin, Carolynne Cunningham, three-time Oscar(R) winner Fran Walsh and Jackson are the producers. The screenplay, by Jackson, Walsh and Oscar winner(R) Philippa Boyens, is based on the original story by Merian C. Cooper and Edgar Wallace, which became the classic 1933 RKO Radio Pictures film, directed by adventurers Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack.
Jackson will bring his sweeping vision and employ the latest motion picture technology to cinematically portray the timeless tale of the beast and his beauty. He will expand on the chapters of the tale that take place in the mysterious and dangerous jungles of Skull Island, and his Kong promises to be a unique and breathtaking creation.
As with his "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, Jackson will shoot "King Kong" on location in his native New Zealand. Visual effects will be again accomplished by New Zealand-based companies Weta Digital and Weta Workshop, recipients of multiple Academy Awards for their collective work on "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. Visual effects and miniatures will supplement practical locations in creating primordial jungles and '30s-period America.
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY PLAYMATES HOLDINGS LIMITED
