Mattel Q&A For April 15, 2010

TNI: The new DC Infinite Hero Deathstroke figure seems to have a lot of silver on it which seems to make the figure look less comic accurate. Was this a production error or done intentionally? If an error will we see a corrected version released?

Mattel: These colors were actually provided to us in a style guide. We did feel he could be more comic accurate and we’d love to do a repaint one day as we’re sure this will be a popular figure well into the future!


TNI: This has probably been asked or suggested before, but what would the odds be of seeing at some point a Collect-To-Connect Stay Puft Marshmallow Man figure for the Ghostbusters line?

Mattel: It would take a lot of parts to make him large enough. There might be some other executions we could take to make him even bigger then a C&C would allow.


TNI: Do you ever foresee the Masters of the Universe line evolving beyond a collector line that consists of what is essentially updated sculpts of classic characters? I assume that had been the goal a couple of years ago with the 200x line, but do you think something like that will be tried again to make He-Man not just appealing to adult collectors, but kids as well?

Mattel: If we were to launch a new MOTU franchise with new entertainment, such as a film, animated series, etc, you would see an entirely new line of figures and products. MOTUC is purely a nostalgia collector line. Now if kids, say maybe a son or daughter of a collector, got into them, then all the better!


TNI: Will Mattel be at the New York Comic Con in October?

MatteL: No unfortunately. NYCC was moved to October, which conflicts with an internal Mattel event, and we just can’t make it that month.


TNI: A rumor recently appeared online that Mattel challenged its designers to come up with a new toy line that could simultaneously be turned into a TV show, feature film, or game, for the ultimate branding weapon.

The unnamed toy line that Mattel has created will be an alien civilization that's been living in the depths of Earth's oceans.

Are there any details about this you all can share with us?

Mattel: We are always working on new ideas and toys every day. Of course, however, we cannot discuss any work in progress of any type.