Hasbro Considering “Seismic Shakeup,” Could Impact Marvel & ‘Star Wars’

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darksaber hasbro

Credit: Hasbro

Hasbro, the Walt Disney Company partner that holds the master toy license for both Marvel Studios and the Star Wars universe, is considering a “seismic shakeup” that would potentially impact both of Disney’s popular subsidiaries.

the yamdalorian with box
Credit: Hasbro

Related: After $10 Mill. Razor Crest Fiasco, Hasbro Takes Money For New ‘Star Wars’ Project

According to a new report from finance giant Bloomberg, Hasbro’s acquisition of Canadian entertainment company, eOne, is influencing the company’s decision-making process moving forward:

…[Hasbro] is now conducting a strategic review and reassessing its entertainment strategy. While the company is still committed to “branded entertainment” – aka more “Transformers” movies – it now feels there are large parts of eOne’s business that don’t fit into its future.

Hasbro is weighing two options, according to several people familiar with its plans. It can take the existing staff and redirect it to make branded entertainment (think “Peppa Pig” movies), and shut down work on projects like “Yellowjackets” and “Designated Survivor.” Or it can sell everything it doesn’t want. It already sold the music company, which owned Death Row Records, for $385 million.

Disney Princess Ultimate Celebration Castle
Credit: Hasbro

Related: Hasbro Has Transported Potato Head Into the ‘Star Wars’ Universe

Hasbro spent about $4 billion to break into Hollywood, and issued a statement saying that entertainment is a “core foundation” of the company.

The statement did not include specifics about how a potential sell-off of the entertainment division would impact Disney-owned brands like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Wars — including the popular Black Series poseable action figures — and Disney Princess.

star wars the black series hasbro
Credit: Hasbro Pulse

Related: New Galactic Snackin’ Grogu Animatronic Toy Is Scrumptious!

It also remains unknown if the brand will be revamping its Hasbro Pulse and HasLab divisions, which offer crowdfunding options for new products, including the now-infamous Mandalorian Razor Crest and a Star Wars set featuring Luke Skywalker in the rancor pit.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Hasbro relied heavily on Disney brands to survive. Previously, CNBC noted that the Star Wars franchise has helped Hasbro stay afloat during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, even without traditional theatrical releases:

While the Rhode Island-based company saw sales of its licensed content from entertainment studios fall 12% to $1.08 billion for the full year, its sales of Star Wars grew by 70% over that period.

Last year marked the first time since 2014 that Disney did not release a Star Wars film in theaters, but sales of Grogu — the child formerly known as Baby Yoda — and of toy lightsabers helped fuel growth for the toy franchise.

hasbro grogu animatronic
Credit: Hasbro

Related: Hasbro’s Darksaber Deemed “Most Dangerous” Toy of the Year

Hasbro is expected to provide an update at its October investor day event.

What do you think about Hasbro potentially selling its entertainment arm?

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