It turns out that Wall-E is far more marketable than last year’s beloved rat. The potential for Wall-E coin was laid out at the Licensing Show Expo, as Variety reports:
Mouse House is banking big on “Wall-E” toys and other merchandise to generate some $30 billion in retail coin this year. Mouse House’s “Wall-E” push encompasses everything from pricey deluxe robots to branded “Wall-E” Crocs shoes that leave caterpillar-tread-like tracks.
Disney hopes the story of cute robot Wall-E will be much more translatable into licensing coin than was last year’s Pixar pic, “Ratatouille,” which may have wowed critics but left licensees less charmed by the pic’s rodent motif.
It is a reality these days, folks. It is a relief to see, however, that they backed the rat even though he wouldn’t make very good Crocs or plushies. They’re just mammals, folks. Not unlike you and me. Humans carry diseases too. Lots of them.
This is a good time to remind ourselves that, though cute and our friend already, Wall-E remains a cash cow. Perhaps the sequel ought to be the story of a Disney character who wants to break free of the merchandising and finds himself going on strike. He puts his robot foot down: I am NOT for sale! Well, isn’t that what Toy Story is all about anyway? Sort of? Merchandising is inevitable. In fact, it’s become so pervasive in the kid world that it’s almost impossible to find toys, backpacks, clothes that aren’t branded by some character or film. This is hardly exclusive to the US; it’s everywhere. Who are we but what we buy?
Okay, it’s way too early to go off on a crazy rant. Wall-E toys. Coming soon to a Toys R-Us near you just in time for Christmas. You can also build your own Wall-E at Wall-E Builder’s Group. Who thought that up?
No Response for "Wall-E Anticipates 30 Billion on Toy Revenue"
I’m fully on board with Wall-E, but I have to say this kind of thing leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
Not that this happened here, but as soon as they start making creative decisions based on how many toys they can sell they might as well just be making Transformers 2.
“I’m fully on board with Wall-E, but I have to say this kind of thing leaves a bad taste in my mouth.”
They’re way ahead of you, Craig.
NEW ORAL B KIDS DISNEY WALL-E ROBOT TOOTHBRUSH
I’m tellin ya, E.P.T. missed the boat when they passed up the “Piss on Juno” Pregnancy Stick.
Yeah I know. On the other hand, they did release and back Ratatouille anyway, even though it had no marketing potential. Wall-E would be here with or without the marketing tie-ins. And anyway, where children’s media is concerned there is no line drawn. There is simply too much money to be made and I don’t know any film company that is in the business of NOT making money on purpose.
You know, from what I’ve heard about the movie, unless I’m mistaken, WALL-E is pure early 70s sci-fi………………..and if you know what I’m talking about, then I wonder if WALL-E will be the child-friendly, cuddly flick that people are assuming it will be, then imagine the backlash.
I don’t have any choice but to feign excitement for WALL-E. There are five voices in my midst telling me what I must do, but to be honest I expected the worst with KUNG FU PANDA, and that was a pleasant surprise, even if I was telegraphed that probability with the initial reviews.
Sasha, that is a very good point you make with RATATOUILLE, which made it solely on its intrinsic artistic quality as opposed to elaborate promotion.
“that is a very good point you make with RATATOUILLE, which made it solely on its intrinsic artistic quality as opposed to elaborate promotion.”
Was that the point? My feeling about ancillary merchandise is that the movie sells the junk, not the other way around.
I don’t know any kids who beg to go see a movie because they love the Happy Meal. (though to be honest, I should just say “I don’t know any kids.” Period.)
The movie will make its impression long before the junk hits the shelves (and, subsequently, the dumpster.)
If the movie’s a dud, good luck with the junk. On the other hand, no good movie needs a lot of plastic crap to make its millions. I guess I’m a capitalist, because I don’t see the problem. These toys will be landfill (or priceless collectibles) 20 years from now. The movies are what endure.
“I don’t have any choice but to feign excitement for WALL-E. ”
Then don’t feign excitement for it then, Sam Juliano.
Jesus, unless you work at Pixar or Disney, you don’t have to do anything.
Either the movie will be good for you, or it won’t. A film is what it is, and nothing more.
Of course, this is RRA the open-minded and very opinionated monster, so what do I know?
Ryan, I respect your valid sentiments, but that is not at all what I was saying here when I responded to something Sasha said. I was basically expressing that I completed agreed with what Sasha was implying, and I still do.
I was taking the original suppositions a step further in another direction. RATATOUILLE made it big without the kind of months-long promotion that WALL-E is getting, solely because it is a superlative animated film, that built momentum from great reviews and splendid word-of-mouth.
If I misconstrued Sasha’s comment above (submission #3) it was in the spirit of basic agreement. I don’t doubt that “the movie sells the junk” I only pose to make claim that there are instances where a film will make it on its excellence, regardless of its inherent sell through.
In regard to Comment #7 above, what did I say that would result in that kind of a comment???? I submitted a very modest, non-confrontational, and timid disclaimer that was polite and non-aggressive.
OK “rat” I can’t wait to see WALL-E, I don’t know if I’ll make it until it opens, I will think about it everyday and I will talk about it with my friends every waking second!
Are you happy now?
$30-billion? Can we change his name from WALL-E to EXXON?…
Hug plush toys as you much, but still they don’t hug back.
Ryan. All I can say is “ahahahahahahah” Err…waitaminute, that’s not a toothbrush, it’s for girls and…
Sasha. Lookit you with the glass all half full and stuff! You’re right of course. Pixar’s integrity has never been in question. I have to say though, ever since they got in bed with Micky Mouse, I’ve been keeping a careful eye on them. Cars 2 and Toy Story 3 worry me. I’m just saying. I’m also just saying: Wall-E, I’m there opening night. Sherman Oaks Arclight! (screw you El Capitain!)
Also Sam, I fully support your ennui for Wall-E even though I don’t share it. If I had spawn and got dragged to every two bit animated pile, I’d probably find Pixar somewhat less magical.
Thanks Craig. To be honest, I hope my trepidation is completely unfounded, especially since I am a sci-fi fan, and Pixar has had a solid track record. In the end, I may well be singing its praises, as I did with KUNG FU PANDA.
So, basically, if Wall-E was a female instead of a robot, it’d be called a sl…
Nevermind.
Are we sure Lucas wasn’t producing this?
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