Mattel Q&A For March 15

TNI: For a line like Masters of the Universe Classics, how many months in advance do you plan figures? For instance, do you know every figure you plan to release in 2010 and have you already made plans for any figures in 2011?

Mattel: We have the line tentatively figured out through the end of 2016. Exactly who will be released each month can change as late as three months before release depending on many factors, often out of our control.


TNI: Let’s say (and hope) the new TRU exclusive MOTUC vs DC 2-packs sell extremely well at Toys R Us stores. Would this possibly open the door for a retailer like TRU to start selling single-carded MOTUC figures at retail in the near future? In other words if someone like TRU came to you and said we want to carry these in our stores, would you allow them to do that and no longer sell them exclusively at MattyCollector.com?

Mattel: Not at this time. MOTUC singles will remain a MattyCollector.com exclusive.


TNI: You said you wanted to evaluate the success of the Batman/Superman Public Enemies line of figures before you decided to do another line of figures based on one of Warner Bros. animated features. Have you had time to do that now, and is there a chance we will see figures based on the next movie "Batman: Under The Red Hood"?

Mattel: While we are very excited for the upcoming direct-to-DVD releases, we won’t be supporting any additional 2010 titles with product lines at this time.


TNI: The old MOTUC mini-comics were such a cool part of the original MOTU line, have you given any thought to bringing MOTU comics back in some way? Maybe as a Matty exclusive? Also on that same line, have you ever considered re-printing all those old comics in a new collection of some type?

Mattel: This is something we continue to look into, but do not have any concrete plans to reveal quite yet.


TNI: I know it’s too early to start talking SDCC exclusives but was wondering if you planned to have any special guests at your booth this year, like maybe some WWE talent?

Mattel: We do plan to have many special guests from many brands but cannot reveal any details quite yet. Stay tuned!


We sent in our next round of questions to Mattel on March 15 and will get answers back by April 1, 2010. If you would like to post questions for us to possibly send to Mattel for a future round, CLICK HERE.