Collectibles brand Funko has struck a deal to develop and produce film, TV and animated content with “LEGO Movie” franchise and Netflix’s “Avatar: The Last Airbender” producer Rideback and AI-enabled creation tool company Spuree.
Under the agreement, Spuree and Rideback will serve as Funko’s content partners for original Funko-driven projects across animation, hybrid, live-action, scripted and unscripted formats.
Funko’s portfolio of brands includes Funko, Loungefly and Mondo, all of which collaborate with existing IP from Disney, NBCUniversal, Warner Bros. Discovery, Netflix and more major media companies, and release original products.
Per the partners, this new deal “is designed to unlock new storytelling opportunities rooted in Funko’s globally recognized brands and deep fan engagement, while building scalable franchises that can live across screens, platforms, and other consumer touchpoints.”
Specific projects will be announced at a later date.
This announcement comes following years of a Funko movie remaining in the development stage at Warner Bros.
“Funko sits at the center of fan culture, turning the moments people love into collectible characters, with more than one billion products in the hands of fans worldwide,” Funko CEO Josh Simon said. “Rideback’s unmatched ability to transform beloved toys and characters — like Lego & ‘Lilo & Stitch’ — into expansive, emotionally resonant stories makes them an ideal partner. Together with Spuree, we’re excited to open a new chapter of storytelling for Funko fans everywhere.”
“Funko has built one of the most recognizable and beloved pop culture platforms in the world,” Rideback co-CEO and Spuree co-founder Jonathan Eirich said. “Together, we see an opportunity to develop ambitious, creator-driven stories that respect the DNA of the Funko universe while reimagining what it can become on screen.”
Rideback co-CEO and Spuree co-founder Michael LoFaso added: “Spuree was founded to help storytellers and rights holders build premium content more efficiently and creatively. This agreement allows us to apply that vision at scale, combining innovative production workflows with globally resonant IP.”
English (US) ·