Hollywood
JAKKS bags licensing rights of ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’
MUMBAI: US toymaker JAKKS Pacific, Inc. has inked a licensing agreement with Warner Bros. Consumer Products to manufacture, distribute and market a line of toys and products based on Warner Bros. Pictures’ and RatPac Dune Entertainment’s feature film, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.
The movie, which is scheduled to hit theaters on 25 March, 2016, pairs the two Super Heroes for the first time on the big screen and is directed by Zack Snyder. It stars Ben Affleck as Batman and Henry Cavill as Superman.
The agreement, which covers the Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice film, also includes a domestic and international renewal for the full DC Comics franchise. The multi-category license includes large-scale action figures and vehicles, accessories, games, wagons and more. JAKKS plans to launch its Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice product line in Spring 2016 to coincide with the film’s worldwide theatrical release. New DC Comics product lines will also be available at retailers in Fall 2015.
“We could not be more excited to be part of the eagerly awaited Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice franchise and welcome the opportunity to bring to life two of the most epic Super Heroes of all time. We look forward to continuing our legacy of creating innovative and character-specific toys for the DC Comics line, especially in our highly detailed and collectible Big Figures line,” said JAKKS Pacific executive vice president of marketing John Blaney.
“JAKKS consistently brings a larger than life statement to the toy aisle and we look forward to expanding our existing DC Comics offerings and building upon this partnership by bringing the epic Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice to life with an all-new Big Figures line,” added Warner Bros. Consumer Products executive vice president Karen McTier.
Hollywood
Paramount seeks FCC nod for foreign-backed $110 billion WBD deal
Gulf funds back merger as foreign stake nears 50 per cent, control stays with Ellison
NEW YORK: Paramount Global has approached the Federal Communications Commission seeking approval for foreign investments tied to its proposed $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, marking another key step in one of the biggest media deals in recent years.
According to regulatory filings made public this week, the investment backing the deal includes major Gulf sovereign funds such as the Public Investment Fund, the Qatar Investment Authority and L’imad Holding Company. Together, foreign investors are expected to hold just under 50 per cent of Paramount’s equity once the transaction is complete.
Despite the sizeable international backing, Paramount has made it clear that voting control will remain with the family of chief executive David Ellison, ensuring the company stays firmly under US control as required by broadcasting rules.
A company spokesperson described the FCC filing as routine for transactions involving foreign capital and stressed that it does not impact the closing of the deal. Under US law, any significant foreign ownership in broadcast licence holders must undergo regulatory review.
The merger itself has already cleared a major hurdle, with Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders approving the deal on 23 April. The transaction values the company at $31 per share, a 147 per cent premium to its earlier trading price, reflecting strong strategic intent behind the tie-up.
If completed, the combined entity will bring together a vast portfolio including Warner Bros. film studios, HBO Max, and networks such as CNN, TNT and Discovery Channel. The deal is currently expected to close in the third quarter of 2026.
However, scrutiny is intensifying. The US Department of Justice has issued subpoenas seeking details on the merger’s potential impact on cinema competition, streaming services and content licensing. Reviews are also anticipated in international markets, including the United Kingdom.
There is also a financial safety net built into the agreement. If regulators ultimately block the deal, Paramount would face a $7 billion break-up fee. Additionally, the company has taken on $2.8 billion in obligations previously owed by Warner Bros. Discovery to Netflix following an earlier terminated arrangement.
Paramount maintains that easing foreign ownership barriers will unlock fresh capital and strengthen its ability to compete in a rapidly evolving media landscape. For now, the spotlight remains on regulators, whose decision will determine whether this global media consolidation moves from script to screen.
