Cartoon Network names Playmates Toys global partner for All-New Ben 10

Cartoon Network has announced Playmates Toys will serve as the global master toy partner for the brand new Ben 10 franchise that will premiere on Cartoon Network channels in international territories in fall 2016 and in North America in 2017. The animated series will introduce a new generation of fans to the global boys’ action phenomenon that centres on a 10-year-old everyday kid who, with the help of a mysterious watch, can transform into 10 aliens, each with their own unique abilities. Through the deal, Playmates Toys will have licensing rights to create a full line of toys based on the series that will anchor the franchise’s consumer products program. The new Ben 10 toy line, which launches at retail in fall 2017, will leverage the collectability and role play elements that are endemic to the franchise and include a range of figures, playsets, role play items and more.

‘Ben 10 is a franchise that has a unique point of difference that makes it ripe for re-imagination and extension into an all-new consumer products program,’ said Pete Yoder, vice president, Cartoon Network Enterprises, North America. ‘With its commitment to innovation and deep understanding of the boys’ action space, Playmates Toys is the ideal partner with which to bring this new toy line to life and tap into the collectability and aspirational qualities that are so core to Ben.’ ‘We are thrilled to begin working with Cartoon Network and look forward to building an enduring partnership,’ said Thomas Chan, CEO, Playmates Toys. ‘We take great pride in our commitment to developing a full line of toys that capture the essence of the new Ben 10 series and provide young fans with an immersive and imaginative play experience.’

Cartoon Network’s fresh take on the beloved Ben 10 will centre upon a new animated series re-introducing an energetic, fun-loving, 10-year-old Ben Tennyson. At the core of the new Ben is a healthy serving of action, excitement, and all-around fun. Featuring many new and fan-favourite aliens, the series kicks off with the adventures of Ben, his cousin Gwen, and Grandpa Max as they travel the country during summer vacation. When Ben finds the mysterious Omnitrix, a world of alien superpowers opens up to him. The new television series is created by Cartoon Network Studios and executive produced by Man of Action. John Fang (Mixels, Generator Rex), is on board as supervising producer for Cartoon Network Studios.

Ben 10, the original precedent setting series, premiered on Cartoon Network in January 2006, to high ratings and an immediate admiration for the title character. Many boys and girls wanted to be a kid hero, just like Ben. The success of this series spawned three additional, original, animated series (Ben 10 Alien Force, Ben 10: Ultimate Alien, Ben 10: Omniverse), one animated movie (Ben 10: Secret of the Omnitrix), and two live-action movies (Ben 10: Race Against Time, Ben 10: Alien Swarm). The adventure began when 10-year-old Ben Tennyson discovered a strange alien device, The Omnitrix, which locks itself onto his wrist and allows Ben to morph temporarily into one of 10 alien heroes.

Consistently a top rated series among boys, Ben 10 is a powerful global franchise for Cartoon Network with proven sales success led by top-selling toy, interactive and home entertainment franchises generating more than $4.5 billion in global retail sales to-date.