PAWTUCKET, R.I. -- June 4, 2003 -- Hasbro, Inc. and DreamWorks SKG announced an agreement in principle to name Hasbro as the worldwide master toy and board game licensee for two of DreamWorks' upcoming animated feature films -- Shrek 2(TM), the highly anticipated sequel to the Academy Award®-winning film, scheduled for release in June of 2004, and Sharkslayer(TM), slated for November of 2004.
In support of each movie, Hasbro intends to develop a diverse line of products in the boys, girls, creative play, plush, board games and puzzles categories. Hasbro's product line for Shrek 2 is expected to be available at retail in late Spring 2004, with the Sharkslayer line to follow in the fall.
"Hasbro's strength in making great toy product for entertainment licenses is well known," said Brad Globe, head of DreamWorks Consumer Products. "Hasbro's global reach will be a powerful asset in launching our programs for Shrek 2 and Sharkslayer."
"Shrek® has kept the world laughing since its debut and millions of fans are looking forward to Shrek 2. Sharkslayer has some of the best talent in the business and promises to be a hit," said Brian Goldner, President of Hasbro's U.S. toys group. "Hasbro is thrilled to be a part of both properties, which give us incredible storylines and hilarious characters for a humor-filled product line."
Shrek 2 continues the fairy tale as Shrek, Donkey and Princess Fiona(TM) depart to visit Princess Fiona's parents in a Kingdom of Far, Far Away and embark on a whirlwind of new adventures with a host of new fairy tale characters joining in the fun. Shrek 2 reunites original cast members Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz, and adds the talents of Antonio Banderas, Julie Andrews, John Cleese, Jennifer Saunders and Rupert Everett.
Sharkslayer is a computer animated family comedy set beneath the ocean waves and features the voice talents of Will Smith, Robert DeNiro, Renee Zellweger, Angelina Jolie, Jack Black, Martin Scorsese, Michael Imperioli, Vincent Pastore and Peter Falk.
Hasbro is a worldwide leader in children's and family leisure time entertainment products and services, including the design, manufacture and marketing of games and toys ranging from traditional to high-tech. Both internationally and in the U.S., its PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER, and WIZARDS OF THE COAST brands and products provide the highest quality and most recognizable play experiences in the world.
DreamWorks SKG was formed in October, 1994, by its three principal partners - Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg and David Geffen - to produce live-action motion pictures; animated feature films; network and cable television programming; home video entertainment; records; books; toys; and consumer products.
