Hillside, NJ – February 18, 2015 –The National Entertainment Collectibles Association (NECA), an entertainment conglomerate and global leader in licensed consumer goods, in partnership with Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products, announced today the next line-up of celebrities as part of THE SIMPSONS exclusive “25 of the Greatest Guest Stars” program. The fifth installment of talent in this limited-edition boutique collection includes Matt Groening, Lenny Kravitz, Adam West, Stan Lee and Tom Petty. In addition, the fourth wave of celebrity figures and merchandise featuring Buzz Aldrin, Tom Jones, Elvis Costello, Weird Al and Aerosmith is now available at various retailers, including Toys“R”Us stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com, as well as Hastings.
The limited-edition boutique collection includes a diverse array of products including figures, collectibles and apparel featuring the animated likenesses of 25 of the most celebrated guest stars as they appeared on the show. This is the first time in THE SIMPSONS’ 25-year history that merchandise has been designed around celebrity guest stars like Hugh Hefner, James Brown, Yao Ming, Tom Hanks, Kid Rock, The Who, Britney Spears, Mark Hamill, Lucy Lawless, Penn and Teller, Bret Hart, Stephen King, Leonard Nimoy, R.E.M. and Tony Hawk.
The “25 of the Greatest Guest Stars” program launched in early 2014, with product roll-outs continuing throughout the year. New products will continue to be introduced every two to three months, featuring different groupings of guest stars, with limited quantities available at select retailers worldwide.
For more information about the “25 of the Greatest Guest Stars” program, visithttp://thesimpsons.necaonline.com.
About THE SIMPSONS
The longest-running scripted show in television history, THE SIMPSONS exploded into a cultural phenomenon in 1990 and has remained one of the most groundbreaking and innovative entertainment franchises, recognizable throughout the world. Currently airing its record-annihilating 25th season, THE SIMPSONS has won 31 Emmy Awards was nominated for an Academy Award in 2012 for the theatrical short “The Longest Daycare.” They have been the subject of a hit feature film, created a revolutionary virtual coaster ride at Universal Studios, received a Star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame and been honored with five U.S. postal stamps personally designed by Matt Groening. Named the “Best Show of the 20th Century” by Time Magazine, THE SIMPSONS was also named “Greatest American Sitcom” by Entertainment Weekly in 2013.
On August 21, 2014, FX Networks’ channel FXX kicked off an exclusive cable run with a record-breaking 12-day, 552-episode marathon of THE SIMPSONS, airing all 25 seasons of THE SIMPSONS in sequential order with THE SIMPSONS MOVIE. The marathon catapulted FXX to the number-one ranking in cable in key young adult demos on numerous nights of the marathon. In October of 2014, FX Networks will launch SIMPSONS WORLD, a technologically groundbreaking non-linear digital platform for every episode of THE SIMPSONS available through its FXNOW app.
THE SIMPSONS is a Gracie Films Production in association with 20th Century Fox Television. James L. Brooks, Matt Groening, and Al Jean are the Executive Producers. The Gracie Films Worldwide Brand Division develops and produces the licensed content for the series. Film Roman, a Starz Company, is the animation house.
About Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products
A division of 21st Century Fox and recognized industry leader, Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products licenses and markets properties worldwide on behalf of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, Twentieth Century Fox Television and Fox Broadcasting Company, as well as third party lines. The division is aligned with Twentieth Century Fox Television, the flagship studio leading the industry in supplying award-winning and blockbuster primetime television programming and entertainment content.
About NECA
National Entertainment Collectibles Association Inc. is a media and entertainment company operating in the United States and internationally, with three segments: Consumer Products, Filmed Entertainment and Online Retail/Digital Distribution. NECA is the leading designer, marketer, and worldwide distributor of licensed entertainment consumer goods based on some of the world’s most established and beloved properties, providing products across all consumer categories and distribution channels. Together, NECA’s divisions provide a comprehensive, end-to-end solution to elevate each property, maximizing exposure and reach, while protecting the vision of the creator. As a result of NECA’s singular passion and reverence for the intellectual property backing its products, some of this generation’s most recognized content creators enjoy working with NECA, allowing us to help bring their vision to their audience. For additional information, visitwww.necaonline.com.
