Surprise news from the toy industry today. It has been confirmed that Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products is packing up its DC Studios toy box at McFarlane and moving home to Mattel Inc. The new multi-year deal is expected to take effect in the second half of 2026.
The new deal awards Mattel the global licensing rights to develop and market a full range of DC-themed action figures, playsets, accessories, role play products, and adult collectibles. The agreement spans all DC stories and characters including Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Joker, Harley Quinn, and many more.
Nick Karamanos, SVP of Entertainment Partnerships at Mattel, said: “It is an incredibly proud milestone to welcome DC back to Mattel. We look forward to leveraging our Mattel Playbook approach to brand management, product design, and innovation to bring DC’s popular characters to life across all channels. This renewed partnership will reflect our shared passion for engaging and inspiring fans and collectors of all ages.”
Robert Oberschelp, Head of Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products, said: “Warner Bros. Discovery’s new agreement with Mattel arrives as DC kicks off an exciting new chapter in 2025. Our collaboration with Mattel will lead to all-new offerings celebrating DC’s rich legacy and future storytelling across publishing, animation, TV, and film. Every story and character, from Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman’s heroics to The Joker and Harley Quinn’s troublemaking, are prime inspiration for a new partnership that combines the power of Mattel and the global appeal of DC.”
It will be a while before we hear more about this deal due to the lead time heading in to 2026. We’ll be keeping a close eye on this one…
