Mattel has signed a multi-year deal with SpaceX to create a line of Astro-inspired toys and collectibles that will be available in 2023. Toys with SpaceX themes will be produced and marketed under the Matchbox brand.
Mattel Creations, its collaboration and direct-to-consumer platform, will also launch collectibles. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
SpaceX VP Brian Bjelde stated that the company is excited to collaborate with Mattel to inspire the next generation of space explorers and enthusiasts.
Although details are scarce, it’s safe to assume that the Matchbox line will depict SpaceX’s various rockets. More exotic creations, such as Starlink satellites or crew capsules, may also be seen.
Mattel’s other toy brand, Hot Wheels, has already produced a replica of the Tesla Roadster that SpaceX launched into space in 2018.
The die-cast includes a mannequin in a spacesuit, dubbed Starman by SpaceX, in the driver’s seat, just like the real thing. Hot Wheels also created a scale model of the Mars Perseverance Rover, which landed on Mars in 2021.
SpaceX already sells branded merchandise on its website, but the majority of it is clothing. The collaboration was announced on July 20, the 53rd anniversary of Apollo 11’s Moon landing. The collectible line will most likely include more detailed products with a higher price tag. Is an Elon Musk action figure in the works?
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