Jeremy Padawer from Jakks Pacific just announced on the WrestlingFigs.com forums the creation of his new blog at  www.Jeremy.com and a major new license for Jakks, ROCKY!

Next week, at Hong Kong Toy Fair, we are announcing the signing of one of the most important action brands in the history of entertainment - Rocky!  I’ve been a fan of Rocky my entire life.  When I was first approached by MGM with the Rocky opportunity, I was so excited.  After taking WWE to one of the top 3 action figure brands at retail, I knew that the Boy’s Entertainment team at Jakks would knock this one out of the ballpark.  When I say we’re doing Rocky, I mean we’re going ALL OUT.  We’re going to create R.A. style figures for the entire Rocky series - Rocky I through Rocky Balboa (VI).  In total, I estimate that we will develop and release approximately 45-55 figures.  The goal will be to not only celebrate the most important characters in the Rocky series (Clubber Lang, Apollo Creed, Rocky Balboa, Ivan Drago and about 15-20 more that fit into the obvious category), but we will also recreate key secondary at tertiary characters! 

I will provide more release and launch information as we plan out the line.  In the meantime, here is a tentative timeline!

• January 4th 2006 - Pre-Announcement from Hong Kong Toy Fair.  We will be showing some very early samples.
• February 8th 2006 - Announcement at New York Toy Fair with more fully developed line.
• September 2006 - Release of first Limited Edition Internet Exclusive (more on this affiliation later).
• October 2006 - Release of second Limited Edition Internet Exclusive.
• October/November 2006 - Product Tie-In with Major Publication.
• November 2006 - Release of third Limited Edition Internet Exclusive.
• December 2006 - Rocky I action figures released at retail.
• February 7, 2007 - Rocky Balboa movie released.
• February 2007 - Rocky Balboa (VI) figures at retail.
• April 2007 - Rocky II action figures released.
• May 2007 - Rocky III action figures released.
• June 2007 - Rocky IV action figures released.
• July 2007 - Rocky V action figures released.

I’m looking for your comments below.  As you know, I head up Boy’s Entertainment Marketing at Jakks.  This is my personal site.  So, as you see, it’s my job AND my hobby.  How cool is that?  I want you to help us develop a truly outstanding line.

Oh… and, yes, we’re doing the robot from Rocky IV.

Thanks!

CLICK HERE TO DISCUSS THIS NEWS ON THE WRESTLINGFIGS.COM FORUMS.