JAKKS Pacific Secures Master Toy License for Columbia Pictures' Men in Black 3

Leading U.S. toymaker JAKKS Pacific, Inc, (Nasdaq: JAKK) announced today a worldwide master toy licensing agreement with Sony Pictures Consumer Products, Inc. to manufacture, distribute and market a line of toys and products based on the 3D action comedy film Men in Black 3. Men in Black 3 is directed by Barry Sonnenfeld from a screenplay written by Etan Cohen, based on the Malibu Comic by Lowell Cunningham, produced by Walter F. Parkes and Laurie MacDonald, and executive produced by Steven Spielberg and G. Mac Brown. The film stars Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, and Josh Brolin.

“We are looking forward to launching a line of products that incorporate classic spy play patterns with that extra added alien ‘wow’ factor, complementing the film’s fun, high tech and action-packed themes to entertain families long after they leave the theater.”

The agreement, which covers the Men in Black franchise, includes action figures, accessories, playsets, role play, youth electronics, novelties, games and puzzles, Halloween costumes and more. JAKKS expects to launch its Men in Black 3 product line in Spring 2012 to coincide with the film’s May 25, 2012 worldwide release.

“We are pleased to be a part of the hugely successful Men in Black franchise and to bring to life the adventures of the famous, alien-fighting government duo in the third installment,” said Jeremy Padawer, Executive Vice President of Marketing, JAKKS Pacific. “We are looking forward to launching a line of products that incorporate classic spy play patterns with that extra added alien ‘wow’ factor, complementing the film’s fun, high tech and action-packed themes to entertain families long after they leave the theater.”

Mark Caplan, Vice President Consumer Products, Sony Pictures Entertainment states, “We are pleased to work with JAKKS Pacific on Men in Black and tap into their expertise in creating a comprehensive toy merchandising program that epitomizes the essence of a property. We are excited to offer a line of products that will spark the imaginations and give our worldwide fans even more of their favorite Agents Jay and Kay while bringing to life their own Men in Black experiences at home.”