With thanks to the guys at Hisstank for digging it out, and big thanks to SeekingAlpha.com for offering a transcript of Brian Goldner’s Earnings report, which we spoke a bit about yesterday. Mixed in amongst the call transcript were some very interesting bits of information:
“In motion pictures, with more than $1.1 billion in box office revenue between Transformers and G.I. Joe, and strong product sales in 2009, we are working with Paramount on Transformers 3 and G.I. Joe 2. In addition, we are pleased to add Sony as a studio partner as we reached an agreement to develop Risk as a major motion picture.”
“The total brand performance of Transformers, G.I. Joe, and Nerf delivered double digit growth in 2009 across multiple product categories. Transformers had a record year posting $592 million in revenues, a 23% increase from our last movie year in 2007. G.I. Joe recorded revenue in excess of $125 million and Nerf continued its growth, increasing 25% driven by continued growth in the US and the expansion of the brand internationally.”
“We are working on Transformers animation and would certainly see some Transformers both the opportunity for the classic Transformers as well as some new Transformers episodes to get out some time this year. I will tell you we’re also working on G.I. Joe the second movie and looking at animation whether that’s for late ’10 or ’11, we’ll make some decisions on that. Transformers 3 as a motion picture we’re well underway and working on a script, working with Michael Bay and Paramount.”
“I think one of the big mistakes we made on G.I. Joe was really just in the price point. It really had less to do with the enjoyment of property. In fact if you look at the DVD sales they were quite strong and property performed really well. At the lower price points G.I. Joe has performed very well, in fact we shipped G.I. Joe product in the fourth quarter and feel very good about, we did some research with consumers and see great consumer appetite for the brand.We’ve begun work on the second film as well as looking at television. For us it was more a matter of probably ignoring some of the price point challenges that are out there from a consumer spending standpoint as we developed the line 18 months ahead of the movie launch.”
So, it sounds like we’re full steam ahead on the G.I. Joe animated series, and may even see something late this year (but more likely early next year). Also, G.I. Joe 2 is on target for 2012. Very interesting to see that the Hasbro CEO recognized the price point difficulties with the Rise of Cobra line, which is hopefully an indication that prices will remain competitive for the next installment of G.I. Joe later this year.
Hopefully we’ll get even more great information Saturday at Toy Fair. Rest assured, GeneralsJoes will be there in the thick of it.
According to RTTNews, Hasbro is reporting 77% Profits, boosted by their forays into Hollywood and by licensed boys brands leading the pack. Also, TFormers.com gives a bit more detail about the report, reporting a 16% increase in boys toys over the last year.
Considering the economic outlook for the country, this is a pretty good report and evidence that Hasbro is wethering this economic storm pretty well.
The guys over at The Terror Drome have come across an overseas auction, which apparently features a pre-production box for the upcoming G.I. Joe vehicle line possibly appearing on store shelves this fall.
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First thing you can’t help but notice is that the logo and overall blue color scheme are very reminiscent of the Firefly packaging we saw a while ago, which lends more credence to that being something official.
Besides that, I wouldn’t take much from these images, since they are obviously so early in the production phase. Hopefully we’ll find out more in six days at Toy Fair!
Sideshow Collectibles has sent in their latest newsletter, and revealed that they have a great, in depth “Backstage Pass” for their upcoming 12″ Firefly action figure. Follow the links below for anything you need to know about the Cobra Saboteur!
Also, Sideshow notes that they currently still have Cobra Officers back in stock for a Second Chance opportunity! Also interesting to note is that the 12″ Cobra Sniper and Cobra Commander are both in stock as well.
Channing Tatum has been doing the rounds promoting his latest film, Dear John, and of course, as expected, has been getting numerous questions regarding G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, the potential sequel, and even the Razzie nominations that the film earned.
In a short interview with New York Magazine, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra’s “Duke” had the following to say:
“Is it hard to show your face here at the iconic Chinese Theater to shill your new film on the same day your last film was bestowed with the shame of six Razzie nods?
Whoa. Cool. Did G.I. Joe win any? Was I nominated for Worst Actor? Afraid not. You were locked out by a bunch of aging comics and the Jonas Brothers.
That was probably a close one, but it’s hard to compete with those heartthrobs. Your co-stars Sienna Miller and Marlon Wayans were not so lucky.
Marlon’s Razzie for Little Man is his most prized trophy. I kid you not. He’s probably thrilled. Besides, when you do a movie like [G.I. Joe], you aren’t trying to break any ground. You just want kids and grown-ups who remember the cartoon to go see it, love it, and have a good time watching shit get blown up. And we did good business anyway. There is talk of a sequel. I know they hired a writer, so I’m crossing fingers”
Along with print interviews, he also sat down in front of a camera for Hollywood.com and showed some enthusiasm for the upcoming sequel and even made mention of Cobra Island! Check out that video below:
