Global Toy News Insight
Spin Master’s expansion of its Hellbreak trading card game through a new partnership with Paramount Pictures highlights the growing opportunity to connect entertainment licensing with the collectible gaming market. By bringing recognizable horror properties such as A Quiet Place, Sleepy Hollow, and Smile into a shared gaming universe, Spin Master is positioning Hellbreak to appeal to both dedicated trading card players and established horror fans. With more than 200 cards planned for its January 2027 debut, the collaboration demonstrates how manufacturers can leverage recognizable intellectual property to attract new audiences, strengthen collector engagement, and differentiate products in an increasingly competitive category.
For toy manufacturers, licensors, and retailers, Hellbreak represents an interesting approach to building a collectible franchise around multiple entertainment properties rather than relying on a single brand. The involvement of major studios, including Universal Pictures and Paramount Pictures, creates opportunities for continued expansions, repeat purchases, and cross-promotional marketing. Specialty game stores and hobby retailers could particularly benefit from a product that brings together competitive gameplay and passionate fan communities. As the trading card category continues to evolve, Hellbreak illustrates how strategic licensing partnerships and ongoing content development can create long-term opportunities beyond the initial product launch.
Spin Master’s Hellbreak™ Trading Card Game Adds Paramount Pictures to Its Monster Universe
Hellbreak TCG’s first card set to launch January 2027, featuring iconic characters from “A Quiet Place”, “Sleepy Hollow” and “Smile”
TORONTO, Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Spin Master’s highly anticipated Hellbreak trading card game (TCG) continues to expand its monster universe, today announcing the addition of Paramount Pictures to the lineup. The collaboration will further heighten gameplay by introducing legendary horror properties from their expansive Paramount Scares portfolio, including “A Quiet Place”, “Sleepy Hollow” and “Smile”.
Launching January 2027, the inaugural Hellbreak card set boasts a robust lineup of more than 200 cards and will prominently feature seven distinct properties, including monsters and settings from Universal Pictures, Paramount Pictures and Horror Inc. Fans and collectors can anticipate dynamic cards showcasing the Death Angels from the sci-fi horror hit “A Quiet Place”, the Headless Horseman from the gothic classic “Sleepy Hollow,” and the entity from the psychological thriller “Smile”, bringing all the chills to the monster sandbox.
“We’ve set out to create an unprecedented lineup of horror IP for Hellbreak to deliver a trading card game experience like no other,” said Doug Wadleigh, Spin Master’s President, Toys. “Adding Paramount Pictures’ deep catalogue of terrifying monsters will elevate the gameplay experience and we’re eager to see how players use these iconic characters when building their decks.”
Developed in collaboration with Ghost Galaxy, Hellbreak TCG features legendary monsters clashing in brutal head-to-head battles. The first card set will be released January 2027 at game and hobby shops, as well as on Amazon. Following the launch of the inaugural set, Hellbreak TCG will introduce new characters from a wide range of studios in future expansions, including previously announced AMC Global Media, Blumhouse and Lionsgate as well as creative cornerstone partner Universal Pictures.
More information regarding the Hellbreak TCG can be found at www.hellbreakgame.com.
The three-movie “A Quiet Place” franchise, “Sleepy Hollow” and “Smile” are available to buy or rent in 4K Ultra-HD on select digital platforms from Paramount Pictures.
About Spin Master
Spin Master Corp. (TSX:TOY) is a leading global children’s entertainment company, creating exceptional play experiences across its three creative centres: Toys, Entertainment and Digital Games. With worldwide toy distribution, Spin Master is best known for award-winning brands including PAW Patrol®, Melissa & Doug®, Bakugan® and Rubik’s® Cube, and is the global toy licensee for other iconic properties. Through its in-house entertainment studio, the company creates and produces captivating multiplatform content including powerhouse preschool franchise PAW Patrol, along with other original shows, short-form series and feature films. With an established presence in digital games anchored by Toca Boca® and Piknik™, Spin Master engages close to 60 million active users monthly in open-ended, creative and safe play. With 29 offices spanning nearly 20 countries, Spin Master employs close to 2,500 team members globally.
About Paramount Scares
Before Rosemary had her baby, before Jason arrived at Camp Crystal Lake, and before Ghostface asked “Do you like scary movies?”, Paramount Pictures has been there to scare. Paramount Scares is a dedicated brand from Paramount Pictures, a flagship division of Skydance (NYSE: SKYD) that showcases more than a century of iconic chills and thrills and super-serves fans all year round as a horror community hub. Through online, theatrical, and live events, Paramount Scares connects with audiences and creates a space where all fans—from the newly curious to the deeply devoted—feel seen, celebrated, and part of the exciting and ever-evolving horror genre.
