New Spider-Man Animated Series from Sony Pictures Television to Debut on Kids’ WB! on the CW Network in 2008

 

NEW YORK – The world’s most renowned web-slinger swings back into television in early 2008 with a new animated series from Sony Pictures Television on Kids’ WB! on the CW Network, the number one rated Saturday morning kids broadcast slate. To meet fans’ continued demand for the legendary wall-crawler, Spider-Man Merchandising L.P. -- the limited partnership between Sony Pictures Consumer Products Inc. and Marvel Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: MVL) -- is launching a licensing and merchandising initiative to support the series, tentatively titled "Spectacular Spider-Man."

 

The new animated series picks up the original web-slinger's mythology at the beginning of his hero's journey as a not-so-typical 16-year-old entering his junior year of high school.  Peter Parker must conceal his secret identity, confront the multi-leveled pressures of teenage life at home and school, and all the while combat even bigger super-villains than ever before.

 

Part of an aggressive strategy to extend excitement for the Spider-Man franchise through 2008 and beyond, Spider-Man Merchandising L.P. is developing a full licensing and merchandising program -- with both new and existing partners -- along with promotional and retail plans to support the Sony Pictures Television’s animated series.

 

“The Spider-Man franchise is truly a phenomenon and maintains itself as one of the top licenses at retail,” said Paul Gitter, Senior Vice President of Consumer Products for North America, Marvel Entertainment, “We are very excited about the launch of the new Spider-Man animated series, which is part of an aggressive strategy to maximize exposure for our characters and extend excitement for the Spider-Man franchise into 2008 and beyond. Following the record breaking film opening for Spider-Man 3 and the film success of Spider-Man 2 and Spider-Man and related merchandise, we see extraordinary potential in developing a strong licensing and merchandising program for the animated series that will undoubtedly be a hit at retail.”

 

The new series is being produced by Culver Entertainment, a Sony Pictures Television Company. Greg Weisman (Gargoyles, The Batman) is the supervising producer, along with Victor Cook (Hellboy: Blood and Iron and Buzz Lightyear of Star Command), producer/supervising director. The series will premiere on Kids' WB! on The CW.