Playmates Toys and The Future of Star Trek and Terminator

Playmates Toys has recently made a significant expansion to their boys action category in a big way this year with lines based upon two big summer movies: Paramount’s Star Trek and Warner Bros’ Terminator Salvation.

The first wave of product for both lines have been in stores prior to each films opening, and fans are looking forward to what Playmates has coming up for each property.

AFi recently spoke to Pat Linden, Playmates Toys’ Associate VP of Boys Marketing for a glimpse into the future for both Star Trek and Terminator.

STAR TREK

Action Figure Insider: Shortly after Toy Fair, another site reported there would be running changes to the pack in figures in both the Bridge and Transporter playsets (Kirk would switch to the black-shirt uniform and Scotty would switch to his ice planet clothes). Can you elaborate on this and when we can expect to see these changes at retail?

Playmates Toys: After reviewing, we decided we would incorporate Kirk in his black-shirt and Scotty in his ice planet clothes into the regular 3.75” figure assortment versus making a running change and incorporating these figures into the play sets.

AFi: When are new waves of product due in stores, especially the 3-3/4" Galaxy Collection?

PM: The next wave of 3.75” and 6” figures should start hitting retail shelves in early August.

AFi: Can you reveal lineups for upcoming waves of figures?

PM: We will be announcing the next wave of 3.75” and 6” figures soon. We want to make sure we have full licensor approval before we make the announcement.

AFi: If sales support it, how far do you see the Star Trek line going? Could Playmates sustain the line up until the eventual sequel with fresh product?

PM: If sales support it we can continue developing new figures through 2010.

AFi: Does your license cover any sequels?

PM: No, our license was just for this movie.

AFi: Can we expect to see figures of any of the alien characters that peppered the background of the movie?

PM: Yes, they are part of our ’09 figure plans. (Sorry, I can’t give you the details just yet on what characters are planned for the next wave).

AFi: Any plans for figures of the crew of the USS Kelvin?

PM: Again, without getting into any details just yet, Yes!

AFi: It’s pretty well-known that there was a sequence filmed with Nero on the Klingon prison planet, Rura Penthe, that was cut from the final film. Should this sequence be added to the DVD release would Playmates consider figures from it such as the Klingon guards and Nero in his prison clothes?

PM: Yes, we would consider figures based on that scene. I haven’t heard whether or not the cut sequences will be added to the DVD.

AFi: Are there plans for any vehicles scaled for the 3-3/4" figures such as a shuttlecraft?

PM: Without releasing any details just yet, YES!

AFi: Any chance or interest in pursuing a license for 3-3/4" figures based on the upcoming Star Trek Online game?

PM: Not at this time.

AFi: We’ve heard reports of the Trek figures disappearing from Wal-Mart stores recently sparking rumors that Wal-Mart is no longer going to be carrying Playmates Star Trek product. Can you comment on this?

PM: We just met with Wal-Mart last week and as of now they are planning to support the Star Trek line going forward into Fall ’09.

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