Bravo’s slate of brands includes The Real Housewives, Vanderpump Rules, Below Deck, Top Chef and many more.

“Bravo represents one of the most passionate fan ecosystems in entertainment,” said Rafa Macias, Executive Vice President, Global Consumer Products & Games at Universal Products & Experiences.

“We’re unlocking that cultural power globally by giving fans new ways to wear it, live it, and celebrate the shows they love with products that are just as iconic, bold, and instantly recognizable.”

The Bravo campaign will launch exclusively at select retailers later this year.

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“As Shrek celebrates 25 years of cultural impact and looks toward its next cinematic chapter, the franchise is stepping into an exciting new era,” said Rafa Macias, Executive Vice President, Global Consumer Products & Games at Universal Products & Experiences.

“This new chapter celebrates a beloved legacy – bringing new partners and experiences to life – while honouring the fans who’ve grown up with Shrek and introducing the joy and irreverent humour of Far, Far Away to new audiences.”

One immediate development is that Shrek will boast an expanded presence in theme parks, including the Universal Kids Resort – a theme park specifically designed for families with young children coming to Frisco, Texas later this summer.

Shrek and friends will be present in Shrek’s Swamp, while a Shrek & Fiona’s Happily Ogre After attraction will take kids and their families on a special ride through the story of how Shrek met Fiona.

Themed food will be served at Swamp Snacks – including the Shrekzel – while the Triplets Treasures shop will sell apparel, accessories and plush for the whole family. Kids and their grown-ups will also have a chance to meet Shrek and Fiona, while kids can also play in two interactive play areas – Shrek’s Swamp Rompin’ Stomp and Shrek’s Swamp Splash & Smash.

Universal Products & Experiences will be exhibiting at Licensing Expo later this month at stand U188.

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“Illumination’s Minions are global icons of humour and heart,” said Joe Smith, Vice President of Global and U.S. Marketing, Licensed Brands at Moose Toys.

“It’s been a blast working on the new toy line in our partnership with the studio. With Minions & Monsters we had the chance to dial everything up, from imaginative movie-making playsets to the biggest, boldest Fart Blaster we’ve ever created. The Fart Blaster Pro takes one of the Minions’ most iconic toys to the next level with bigger blasts, new scents and hilarious effects that capture the outrageous humour fans love.”

Alongside the Fart Blaster Pro – which comes with new scents like Yum Yum Bubble Gum and Garbage Gusher – is a Mini Fart Blaster, two Minions Goo Jit Zu figures, as well as 12 Minions Mini Figures.

Elsewhere, the Minions Sound Stages and Backlot Studio Sets come with detailed backdrops, Minions mini figures and movie props inspired by the new film’s locations, including the Wizard’s Lair, Egyptian Explorer and Wild West. A deluxe Backlot Studio set boasts additional figures, props and a camera dolly that holds a phone so kids can film their own Minion mischief.

The Minions Quest for Monsters Set sees kids activate the spell book with water and by pouring the potion into the mountain, the creature inside is revealed. With a twist of the mountaintop and press of a secret button, the frozen monster – either Howard or Phillip – is thawed and released.

Rafa Macias, Global Commercial Officer, Consumer Products, Games & Digital at Universal Products & Experiences, added: “The Minions universe continues to expand in bold, unique and wonderfully unexpected ways, and Moose Toys has captured that spirit with remarkable imagination.

“From inventive new playsets to the unapologetically over-the-top Fart Blaster Pro, this new line offers fans fresh and unforgettable ways to dive deeper into the world of Illumination’s Minions & Monsters.”

In the UK, the line will be on pre-sale from May 15th before the full launch from June 1st.

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The Shrek, Donkey & Puss in Boots set features a brick-built Shrek and Donkey, plus a Puss in Boots minifigure, set on a swamp base with the “Beware Ogre!” sign. Other nods to the film include sunflowers, an onion and a blue flower with red thorns.

For younger builders, the LEGO BrickHeadz Shrek set sees kids build collectible figures of Shrek, Donkey and Gingy.

“Shrek has always celebrated imagination, friendship and a little bit of mischief, which are values that translate perfectly into LEGO play,” said Raquel Ojeda, Creative Lead from the LEGO Group.

“We’re ogre the moon to partner with this beloved universe and see how fans build their own fairy-tale adventures. This is just the beginning, so keep your eyes peeled for lots more LEGO Shrek magic!”

Rafa Macias, Global Commercial Officer, Consumer Products, Games & Digital at Universal Products & Experiences, added: “Partnering with the LEGO Group to introduce Shrek in LEGO brick form marks an exciting moment as we celebrate the franchise’s 25th anniversary.

“These sets bring Far Far Away to life with innovative design, fun Easter eggs for fans to discover, and storytelling – honoring the legacy that has made Shrek a cultural icon and inviting fans back to the swamp where it all began.”
The LEGO Shrek sets will be available from June 1st.

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Created in tandem with the game design team at Ghost Galaxy, Hellbreak centres around the idea of a ‘Monster Sandbox’ and will feature Universal characters – including the Universal Monsters.

Looking ahead, Spin Master plans to build a ‘horror crossover universe’ that will include additional major studios and their characters from across the horror genre.

“Hellbreak brings together two of the hottest trends – horror and TCGs,” said Doug Wadleigh, President, Spin Master Toys.

“With Universal Products & Experiences as our flagship partner, and other major studios soon to be announced, we’ve created an enticing property unlike anything the TCG category has ever seen. Embracing cinematic storytelling in an immersive gameplay format, Hellbreak will grip players from their first pack to their hundredth, while also strengthening our presence in this high-growth category.”

Rafa Macias, Global CPG Commercial Officer at Universal Products & Experiences, added: “At a time when fans are craving deeper, more atmospheric experiences, Hellbreak allows us to deliver horror in a frightening new way.

“With the rise in popularity of trading card games, and how passionate horror fans are around the world, we saw an opportunity to extend the lore of horror to TCG, working with true masters of the craft, to create a genuinely elevated and chilling gameplay experience.”

Christian T. Petersen, CEO of Ghost Galaxy and design lead on Hellbreak, said: “Hellbreak was designed to feel dangerous, cinematic, and endlessly replayable.

“Every monster, mechanic, and aspect is built to create unforgettable and terrifying moments at the table – the kind players will be talking about long after the match ends.”

Hellbreak is slated for a global launch Fall 2026.

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Felix has an amazing, multi-generational heritage and has become an instantly recognisable pop-culture icon. Why does he endure as a character and as a design?
There’s just something so simple yet expressive about him that makes it so easy to get right in all the areas he plays. That iconic silhouette, his big grin and mischievous personality and his Magic Bag of Tricks – all translate across generations and cultures and can be applied to many different categories and seasonal as well as everyday activations.

Above all, he’s adaptable, and – visually – his clean, bold design fits just as easily on an old-school film as it does on modern streetwear or art. That balance of classic charm and contemporary relevance is what makes Felix stand the test of time.

Great answer! Thank you. And why is now the right time for Universal to bring Felix back?
Audiences today love a mix of nostalgia and fresh creativity, and that’s exactly what Felix represents. He’s a one-of-a-kind character with a modern edge, and at Universal, we’re excited to reintroduce him through new collaborations that celebrate both his legacy and his future.

What are some of the challenges of putting a vintage property in the spotlight? How do you overcome them?
The challenge is often finding that balance between honouring the brand’s legacy and making it feel relevant for today’s audience… But with Felix, that’s actually where his strength lies. He doesn’t feel old or obsolete; his design is recognisable and timeless, and his personality still connects instantly. Felix has always been ahead of his time, and we’re now just giving him a stage that matches his modern appeal.

What kind of partnerships have you created for Felix so far? And what kind of collaborations are you looking for?
We’re really focused on partnerships that feel authentic to Felix’s personality and visual identity… Collaborations that make sense both creatively and culturally. A great example is our recent partnership with PUMA on the Felix the Cat Suedes.

I’ll put a picture of those in here – they look amazing!
People can see how the iconic black and white design of the trainer aligns perfectly with Felix’s look and personality… It feels effortless and genuine, and that’s the kind of collaboration we love – when a brand shares Felix’s playful spirit and timeless style.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to explore more partnerships across fashion, lifestyle and art that continue to celebrate Felix’s classic appeal. That said, we’re being selective to ensure they’re the right partners; that they make sense for this character and are bringing him into bold new spaces.

Are there renewed plans to bring Felix back to the screen?
Right now, we’re focused on celebrating the Felix that fans know and love! Fans can expect to see him show up in relevant and unexpected ways such as our exclusive event last month in Soho, London.

Which was a huge success by the look of it. Tell us about it…
Hosted at Phonica Records, the event brought together brands, fashion insiders and cultural tastemakers to spotlight Felix. It marked a new era for Felix, blending the animation character’s classic charm with contemporary edge and creative partnerships. The event transformed the record store into an immersive hub of urban cool, setting the tone for Felix’s return as a character that crosses lifestyle, music and art.

Brilliant. How did you come to be working the industry, Rafa? What’s your background?
I’ve always been passionate about building brands through products and experiences. Being a huge fan myself, fuelling fandom is what motivates me every day – so our characters and IP meet our fans where they are and delight them. I particularly love retail; there’s something special to me about a trip to your favourite store or browsing online for that special item that resonates with what your passionate about. I’ve spent my career at the intersection of consumer products, games, retail, and marketing. I was at The Walt Disney Company for over 20 years, most recently at Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products, where I led North America retail sales and brand development.

Earlier in my career, I held leadership roles in Home Entertainment in both the U.S. and Mexico where I started in the Entertainment industry. And now being global gives me the opportunity to be exposed to amazing products from around the world and share best practices from our amazing NBCUniversal teams in every region. It’s been an incredible journey, and all of those experiences really shaped how I approach building brands and connecting with fans.

Fantastic. Thanks for making time for this, Rafa. Let’s wrap it up with one last question… What could I have asked you today that I didn’t?
A question you might have asked is what makes working with a character like Felix so exciting on a personal level. The answer is that it’s rare to get to work with something that has such a rich history yet still feels full of possibility… Every day, there’s a chance to be creative and to introduce Felix to people who’ve never met him before, and that’s incredibly rewarding. We’re making sure Felix shows up in unexpected ways.

Great question, and a great answer. Thanks, Rafa.

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The film arrives on November 21st and the licensing line-up spans apparel, accessories, footwear, home décor, drinkware, beauty, toys, publishing and more.

“Expanding the world of Wicked has been an extraordinary journey, and we’re thrilled to bring its powerful themes and iconic characters into fans’ everyday lives,” said Rafa Macias, Global CPG Commercial Officer, Universal Products & Experiences.

“We’re introducing new home and lifestyle collaborations for Wicked: For Good and celebrating the film in a way that fans can truly feel and take home – through bold, expressive merchandise across retail and our theme parks.”

The full slate of partners is listed below:

Lifestyle Collaborations
• Cambridge Satchel Company
• Lingua Franca
• Love Shack Fancy
• Luxe Brands with Ariana Grande Fragrances
• MONSE
• r.e.m. beauty
• Swarovski

Fashion & Accessories
• Bombas
• GAP
• Loungefly
• Lug
• Hey Dude
• PUMA
• Roots

Home, Food, Beauty & Wellness
• Butterkist
• Compartes
• Crosley
• Essie Nail Polish
• General Mills
• Hostess
• Hovis
• KISS Products
• Kristin Ess Hair
• IT Cosmetics
• Le Creuset
• Lush
• Mars Wrigley’s SKITTLES & EXTRA Gum
• Ordo
• P&G
• Pernod Ricard USA / Absolut Vodka
• Robinsons
• Stanley 1913
• Wet Brush
• Voluspa

Toys, Publishing & Collectibles
• American Girl
• Build-A-Bear
• Basic Fun
• Disguise
• Funko
• Insight Editions
• JAKKS Pacific
• Little People Collector
• The LEGO Group
• Mattel
• Müller
• The Noble Collection
• Polly Pocket
• Random House Children’s Books
• Squishmallows
• UNO

From next month, product collections will also debut at Universal Studios theme parks around the world, including updates to the retail experiences at both Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood.

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John will be responsible for driving long-term commercial growth across both direct and agent-managed markets in the EMEA region. He will report directly to Rafa Macias, Global CPG Commercial Officer, Universal Products & Experiences.

UP&E’s current head of EMEA, Jay Visconti will be leaving the organisation at the end of October to accept a new opportunity in his home country of Italy.

John is transitioning into his new role at UP&E following nearly two decades of leadership at Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Most recently, he oversaw the transformation of the international physical home entertainment business, shifting from direct distribution to a fully licensed model.

“With strong regional hubs and exceptional leadership in place, we’re well positioned to deliver on our strategic goals for EMEA,” said Rafa Macias Global CPG Commercial Officer, Universal Products & Experiences.

“John brings deep retail and partnership expertise, and I’m excited to welcome him to UP&E as we continue to drive the CPG business to new heights.”

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Creatively for Universal Products & Experiences, anniversaries inspire us to explore new categories and collaborations as well as fresh creative expressions to deliver products and experiences that connect with fans in meaningful, memorable ways.

On that, what should we expect from this milestone celebration?
You can expect a celebration that feels authentic and deeply connected to the DNA of Fast & Furious. UP&E will continue to tap into the cultural impact with partnerships that resonate with both kidults and families. From high-octane die-cast collectibles by Jada Toys, to Mattel’s action-packed playsets, and LEGO’s Technic and Speed Champions sets, fans have more ways than ever to fuel their passion.

And as the fifth-ranked license in the vehicle category, we have already achieved significant impact and anticipate that growth will continue.

Terrific. And will the activity also span live events?
Yes, beyond products we’ll bring Fast & Furious into real-world spaces too. Fans can look forward to innovation and expansion with premium offerings across toys, fashion and gaming, as well as live events.

The 25th anniversary of Fast & Furious is not just a milestone, it’s a strategic opportunity to harness nostalgia, celebrate enduring fandom and propel the brand forward with renewed cultural relevance and commercial success.

Exciting times and nicely teased! Thanks again Rafa.

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