Plastic Meatball, leaders in the retro-nostalgic collectible merchandise space, have worked with Handmade Films to develop a cross-category line of products based on Terry Gilliam’s 1981 cult classic, Time Bandits.
Plastic Meatball’s deal encompasses a wide swath of consumer products categories, including toys, games, apparel, housewares, seasonal décor, limited-edition artwork and more.
Time Bandits follows the exploits of imaginative 11-year-old Kevin, who is whisked away on the adventure of a lifetime when six time-travelling bandits suddenly appear one night through a time hole in his bedroom wardrobe. On the run from the Supreme Being after stealing his map illustrating rips in the fabric of time and space, they use the map to rob historical figures such as Napoleon, Robin Hood, King Agamemnon and others. However, they are unaware that their activities are being closely monitored by Evil, who watches them from his Fortress of Ultimate Darkness and wants the map for his own nefarious purposes.
“Time Bandits made a strong impression on me when I was a young boy with a yearning for adventure,” says Roman Cortez, Creative Director of Plastic Meatball. “I vividly recall pushing on my bedroom wall, hoping it would move like Kevin’s did in the movie – hiding a portal that would usher me off to another time and place. The film was so layered and dark compared to other children’s films of the era, and I think that’s why it resonated so strongly with an entire generation. There just wasn’t anything like it. I can’t believe that 40 years later we’re actually able to produce the product line that should have been on shelves during its release.”
Directed by Terry Gilliam, and co-written by Gilliam and Michael Palin, the film has been praised for its smart and subversive story that has just as much wit and heart to offer adults as it does children. The first in Gilliam’s “Trilogy of Imagination,” the film sports an all-star international cast that includes John Cleese, Sean Connery, David Warner, Shelley Duvall, Katherine Helmond, David Rappaport and more. Fans should be pleased to know that Plastic Meatball’s deal includes likeness rights for the entire cast.
“It is a real pleasure to be working with the team at Plastic Meatball, as their passion for the film Time Bandits resonates through in all that they do”, says Trudi Patrickson at Handmade Films. “Their expertise in retro merchandise combined with their love for the film will result in some great products. We are looking forward to seeing the range develop.”
Plastic Meatball’s inaugural batch of Time Bandits merchandise kicks off with retro-styled 3.75in action figures of Evil, Randall and Og (after being transformed into a pig). A set of fast-food inspired drinking glasses, puzzles and apparel will follow later in the year, and a second wave of figures is already in development. Products will initially be available on the company’s website, www.plasticmeatball.com, with retail distribution expected to follow.