Global Toy News Insight
Funrise is expanding its licensed toy portfolio through a new partnership with BBC Studios to introduce a range of Bluey remote-controlled vehicles, scheduled to launch in the second half of 2027. Designed for children ages 2–6, the collection will bring the popular animated series into the RC vehicle category, combining character-driven storytelling with interactive, hands-on play. The line is planned for distribution across mass, club, specialty, and other retail channels in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Latin America. Building on Funrise’s experience developing licensed RC products for brands such as SpongeBob SquarePants, Cat, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the partnership demonstrates how entertainment properties can expand into new toy categories while maintaining their core appeal to families.
For toy manufacturers, licensors, and retailers, the partnership highlights the continued value of character licensing as a strategy for category expansion and product differentiation. By introducing Bluey into the remote-controlled vehicle segment, Funrise is positioning an established preschool entertainment property within a play pattern that encourages movement, imagination, and family participation. The collaboration also illustrates opportunities for toy companies to reach younger consumers through age-appropriate technology while leveraging recognizable intellectual property to strengthen retail visibility. With the collection scheduled for presentation at Spielwarenmesse 2027, the launch offers buyers an opportunity to evaluate how licensed preschool properties can drive innovation and potentially attract new consumers within the RC toy category.
FUNRISE AND BBC STUDIOS PARTNER ON NEW BLUEY RC VEHICLE RANGE LAUNCHING IN 2027
New Remote-Controlled Vehicle Collection Offers Families a Dynamic New Way to Play with Bluey
LOS ANGELES, November 3, 2026 — Funrise, a global leader in innovative play experiences, today announced a new licensing partnership with BBC Studios for a range of remote-controlled toy vehicles inspired by Bluey, the Emmy® Award-winning animated series. The Bluey RC vehicle range will be available across mass, club, specialty and other retail channels in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Latin America.
Launching at retail in the second half of 2027, the new line is designed for children ages 2–6 while inviting parents and older siblings to join the fun. The collection will translate the show’s playful family storytelling and unpredictable humor into new ways for families to play together.
“Bluey has a special way of turning everyday family moments into imaginative adventures,” said Shipra Larson, Vice President, Global Brand Marketing at Funrise. “Our RC line brings memorable moments from the show to life and puts kids in control of the action.”
The partnership builds on Funrise’s extensive experience developing innovative RC toys that deliver excitement and strong play value across a range of price points. The company’s recent RC portfolio includes products inspired by Cat®, SpongeBob SquarePants and previously Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Retail buyers received an advance look at the Bluey RC range during Fall Previews at Funrise’s Los Angeles showroom. The range will next be showcased at Spielwarenmesse, the world’s largest trade fair for toys, taking place February 2–6, 2027, in Nuremberg, Germany.
Marking 30 years as an exhibitor, Funrise will welcome visitors to its new location in Hall H, Stand P29. Additional product details and consumer availability will be announced closer to launch.
About Funrise
For over 35 years, Funrise has been a global innovator and industry leader in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of toys worldwide. Our mission is to create fun for kids of all ages by building impactful brands through innovation, creativity and imagination.
We strive towards excellence in all we do to ensure our products are enjoyed by consumers throughout the world. Our portfolio consists of internal brands including GAZILLION®, EPIC SAND™, POWERSHOTS™, MIGHTY FLEET™ and more, as well as licensed properties from premier partners like Cat®, BLUEY®, and other global entertainment companies.
Funrise is headquartered in Sherman Oaks, CA, with additional offices and showrooms globally. Funrise is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Matrix Holdings Limited.
About Bluey
The series follows Bluey, a loveable, inexhaustible, blue heeler dog, who lives with her Mum, Dad and her little sister, Bingo. Bluey uses her limitless energy to play games that unfold in unpredictable and hilarious ways, bringing her family and the whole neighbourhood into her world of fun.
Bluey is produced by Ludo Studio for ABC KIDS (Australia) and co-commissioned by ABC Children’s and BBC Studios Kids & Family. Financed in association with Screen Australia, Bluey is proudly 100% created, written, animated, and post produced in Brisbane Queensland, Australia, with funding from the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland and the Australian Government.
In Australia, the show is broadcast on ABC. The series airs and streams to U.S. and global audiences (outside of Australia, New Zealand, and China) across Disney Channel, Disney Jr., and Disney+ through a global broadcasting deal between BBC Studios and Disney Branded Television.
About BBC Studios Brands & Licensing
The BBC Studios Brands & Licensing division is the driving force in extending BBC Studios IP through innovative brand extensions, fostering deep fan engagement worldwide.
Partnering our iconic brands—including Doctor Who and Bluey—with the world’s biggest brands, promoters, and publishers, ignites the imagination of fans and creates memorable brand-fame moments.
Our diverse portfolio spans consumer products, live entertainment, gaming, and publishing, while BBC Studios Digital drives over 1 billion views per month, offering advertising and branded content opportunities.
Supported by award-winning teams, we focus on finding visionary opportunities to enhance global brand impact and digital growth.
Source: Funrise | November 3, 2026
BLUEY and associated characters, trademarks and design elements are owned by Ludo Studio Pty Ltd and licensed by BBC Studios.
