Currently celebrating its 80th anniversary, Mattel is planning to seize new transmedia opportunities, particularly delving into new audiovisual content. Read to learn more about the latest in Mattel’s entertainment universe!

Monster High: A Franchise Reborn

The return of Monster High to television has been a massive success, reinforcing its place as a fan-favourite franchise. With the second season bringing fresh storylines and new character developments, this expansion provides the perfect opportunity to dive deeper into the Monster High universe through books.

From direct adaptations of the show’s most exciting moments to original stories that build upon the Monster High lore, publishing plays a crucial role in giving fans more ways to engage with their favourite ghouls.

The eerie and exciting world of Monster High continues to captivate audiences through graphic novels and chapter books. These formats allow for visually stunning storytelling that aligns perfectly with the brand’s gothic-chic aesthetic while also appealing to a wide age range. Whether its young readers getting their first introduction to the world of Monster High or long-time fans diving into new spooky adventures, the books provide an immersive experience that goes beyond the screen.

Barney is back!

Mattel recently announced its relaunch of the iconic Barney franchise. The comprehensive revitalization of the Barney brand spans television, film, and YouTube content as well as music and a full range of kids’ products including toys, books, clothing, and more. Apparel and accessories for adult fans, featuring classic Barney, are also in development.

Mattel relaunched Barney to a new generation with a brand-new animated series in 2024 and continues to expand globally into 2025. Created for preschool kids, the series features the ubiquitous purple dinosaur and friends, introducing new audiences to the world of Barney through music-filled adventures centered on love, community, and encouragement. The series is co-produced by Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana, a leading international producer and distributor of children animated and live-action content, together with Mattel Television and executive produced by Fred Soulie and Christopher Keenan for Mattel Television and by Colin Bohm, Doug Murphy and Pam Westman for Nelvana.

Mattel’s Barney relaunch is emblematic of the company’s strategy to mine the incredible depth and breadth of its IP portfolio to relaunch heritage franchises. Most recently, Mattel successfully brought back its Monster High property and relaunched its popular 1980s Masters of the Universe franchise, both with new content and consumer products programs.

Masters of the Universe Transmedia Expansion

An exciting new adventure is set to breathe new life into the beloved Masters of the Universe franchise: Amazon MGM Studios and Mattel in fact venturing into the production of the live-action feature film adaptation of Masters of the Universe. The vibrant franchise, originating with Mattel’s 1982 iconic action figures line, captivated audiences back in the early 1980s with the animated series He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. Over the years, the franchise has expanded beyond toys and animation into various media, including video games, comics, and more, solidifying its place in pop culture.

The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, featuring notable talents like Nicholas Galitzine as He-Man, Camila Mendes as Teela, and Jared Leto in the role of Skeletor. With experienced director Travis Knight at the helm and a screenplay crafted by Chris Butler, the film aims to present a fresh narrative while honoring the essence of the franchise. 

The plot details have not been disclosed yet, adding even more suspense for fans eagerly awaiting its release – planned for June 5, 2026. Masters of the Universe embodies themes of personal growth and empowerment, encouraging audiences to strive for their best selves, a message that remains relevant across generations – standing as a testament to the brand’s enduring legacy, attracting both long-time fans and new audiences alike. 

The collaboration between Amazon MGM Studios and Mattel Films marks a significant milestone in the reimagining of this classic franchise, merging cutting-edge filmmaking with heartfelt storytelling. As the project moves forward, all eyes will be on this fresh take of a beloved tale, hoping it captures the same magic that originally made Masters of the Universe a household name, ultimately serving as both a tribute to its rich history and a bold leap into a promising cinematic future.