'Pirates of the Caribbean' reveals zombie toys

(Disney)

Ian McShane who plays Blackbeard in the upcoming Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides film, starring Johnny Depp, was at a preview for the American International Toy Fair in New York, February 13- 16, to introduce a series of toys and action figures based on the film.

There is Blackbeard's ship, the Queen Anne's Revenge, action figures of Depp's Captain Jack Sparrow, Penelope Cruz's character Angelica and Geoffrey Rush's Barbossa. And when placed under a black light, the figures transform into zombies.

So far, The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise has collected $1.6 billion in merchandise sales, from apparel to publishing, cosmetics, accessories, and toys, Jo Pascoe, director of toys at Disney Consumer Products, told The Hollywood Reporter at the unveiling this week.

Thematically tied to the Pirates fourth installment in 3D, opening around the world May 18-20, the new line of pirate-themed merchandise from JAKKS Pacific, captures the film's fantasy, and action aimed at kids and collectors.

Also, Lego has released the Pirates of the Caribbean: The Video Game as well as construction toys including the Fountain of Youth which Sparrow and Blackbeard are seeking and the Whitecap Bay playset ($79.99) where Jack and the other pirates encounter mermaids.

There are 4-inch figures ($7.99), Legend Pack figures and accessories ($14.99) and the Queen Anne's Revenge playset ($59.99) with authentic cloth sails, a retractable crow's nest, and canon with projectile deck for adventure-packed action.

The new toys will be available at retailers in March. A board game based on Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides will come later this Fall.

The 108th Toy Fair will attract over 1,000 exhibitors, 25,000 attendees to the Javits Convention Center, and is home to around 7,000 new product launches each year. It is the largest toy event in the US and hosts the Toy of the Year award on February 12, the 'Oscars' of the toy world.

http://www.toyassociation.org

RC