Paramount Pictures and Hasbro Combine Forces to Establish Cross-Property Film Universe
Overall Deal Includes Hasbro Properties G.I. Joe, Micronauts,
Visionaries, M.A.S.K. and ROM
HOLLYWOOD–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Paramount Pictures and Hasbro,
Inc. announced a groundbreaking deal today to collaborate on feature
films for five of Hasbro’s iconic properties. Under the agreement,
Paramount and Allspark Pictures, Hasbro’s film label, will establish a
cross-property interconnected onscreen universe, featuring the deep
stories and great characters from Hasbro brands G.I. Joe, Micronauts,
Visionaries, M.A.S.K. (Mobile Armored Strike Kommand) and ROM.
“Paramount and Hasbro have had a longstanding relationship and we’re
proud of the success we’ve enjoyed on the ‘TRANSFORMERS’ and ‘G.I. JOE,’
franchises,” said Brad Grey, Chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures.
“We’re excited to grow our agreement and make even more movies based
upon these popular and powerful Hasbro characters and their worlds.”
Allspark Pictures, Hasbro’s film label, will produce the films and Brian
Goldner (Chairman, President and CEO, Hasbro), Stephen Davis (Executive
Vice President and Chief Content Officer, Hasbro), and Josh Feldman
(Head of Film Development, Hasbro) have worked closely with Paramount in
shaping the interconnected universe for the properties. To develop the
creative roadmap for G.I. Joe, Micronauts, Visionaries, M.A.S.K. (Mobile
Armored Strike Kommand) and ROM, Hasbro and Paramount will assemble a
writer’s room which will include some of the most notable creative
talent in Hollywood
“Hasbro and Allspark Pictures put storytelling at the center of
everything that we do. These brands are filled with memorable stories
and vivid characters, and this Universe creates a framework for how they
will become interconnected,” said Brian Goldner, Chairman, President and
CEO of Hasbro. “Extending our partnership with Paramount allows us to
continue our long-term strategy and overall vision to build dynamic
worlds for all of our brands, and we are thrilled to collaborate with
them as we develop these properties.”
Rob Carlson of WME represented Hasbro in this deal.
The Paramount and Hasbro partnership is responsible for the worldwide
blockbuster success of the “TRANSFORMERS” franchise, which has earned
$3.8 billion to-date, and whose films, directed by Michael Bay, are
amongst the highest grossing movies of all time; and the “G.I. JOE”
franchise, which have earned more than $675 million worldwide.
About Paramount Pictures Corporation
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor
of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), a
leading content company with prominent and respected film, television
and digital entertainment brands. Paramount controls a collection of
some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including
Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Television, Paramount
Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV Films, and
Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Home Media
Distribution, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing
Inc., and Paramount Studio Group.
ABOUT HASBRO
Hasbro (NASDAQ:
HAS) is a global company committed to Creating the World’s Best Play
Experiences, by leveraging its beloved brands, including LITTLEST PET
SHOP, MAGIC: THE GATHERING, MONOPOLY, MY LITTLE PONY, NERF, PLAY-DOH and
TRANSFORMERS, and premier partner brands. From toys and games,
television programming, motion pictures, digital gaming and lifestyle
licensing, Hasbro fulfills the fundamental need for play and connection
with children and families around the world. The Company’s Hasbro
Studios and its film label, ALLSPARK PICTURES, create entertainment
brand-driven storytelling across mediums, including television, film,
digital and more. Through the company’s commitment to corporate social
responsibility, including philanthropy, Hasbro is helping to build a
safe and sustainable world and to positively impact the lives of
millions of children and families. Learn more at www.hasbro.com,
and follow us on Twitter (@Hasbro & @HasbroNews)
and Instagram (@Hasbro).
HAS-LIC
Contacts
Paramount Pictures
Media Contact:
Katie
Martin Kelley, 323-956-2821
kmk@paramount.com
or
Hasbro,
Inc.
Julie Duffy, 401-727-5931
Julie.Duffy@hasbro.com
or
Rogers
& Cowan for Hasbro, Inc.
Melissa Schumer, 310-854-8154
mschumer@rogersandcowan.com
or
Mat
Newman, 310-854-8198
mnewman@rogersandcowan.com
