Hey Outlander fans will you want to buy a cuddly Jamie Fraser or wear clothes inspired by Claire Randall? Before you make that face at me, calm down. There is more to it and not much we can do.
SONY Pictures TV Production, who owns the rights to Diana Gabaldon’s fantasy novels Outlander, has announced a slew of merchandising partners.
Gabaldon’s eight book series, the first of which was written 20 years ago, have become a phenomenon selling over 25 million copies worldwide.
Here is a list of who has the rights and what we could be seeing and some of us buying before you know it.
Cryptozoic Entertainment has been granted the right to produce and distribute Outlander playing cards as well as a line of Outlander trading cards and trading card binders.
EMCE Toys has been granted rights to create and sell Outlander novelty items, including car signs, car air fresheners, bookmarks, mugs, magnets, button sets, postcards and e-reader covers.
Factory Entertainment will produce a range of Outlander household items, such as pillows, towels, stationery, drinks bottles, jewelry and replicas.
Funko has been granted the rights to deliver a range of figures based on the TV series, while North American Bear Company will produce Outlander bears, inspired by the characters Jamie, Claire and others. So you can cuddle with “Jamie” very soon.
Finally, Ripple Junction will manufacture and market an Outlander line of men’s, women’s and girl’s tops, including t-shirts, tanks, sweaters and fleeces.
“The initial response from the licensing community for Outlander has been fantastic,”
said Knockout Licensing co-president, Tamra Knepfer.
“Our merchandise roll-out is beginning in the U.S., with initial product coming to market in mid/late 2015 across various specialty retailers and online stores.”
“As the television series is just starting to air in many international markets, the merchandise program will expand to key territories as the show continues to grow in popularity.”
“Some products, like paper items including calendars, collectible trading cards, book marks, and posters, as well as “quick-to-market” items such as T-shirts and mugs will be the initial licensed products offered to quench the initial thirst of the fan base.
“We also know the Outlander fans want authentic, Scottish products — and we are working hard to make sure the product offering lives up to the quality and essence of the brand — so we will be announcing some very exciting new product categories soon that are very authentic, at different price points, for the serious fans.”
In the meantime, there are many products that are already Sony Pictures Television’s online store, www.outlanderstore.com including jewelry, glassware, and even a ‘Pocket Jamie’.
But not all moves to merchandise Outlander have been popular with fans.
On one online forum, fan Cindy summed the thoughts of many:
“Truly not thrilled – something that has been part of my life for over 20 years brought to this commercialism is so disheartening.”
“This takes away from all that is so special and unique. The history and magic that is Outlander is reduced to smelly car fresheners and plastic toys is awful.”
Lisa Lyall of the Outlandish UK fan group, said:
“Low quality, high cost items put fans off. We are an enthusiastic audience with money to spend but fans are more likely to buy a charity T-shirty supporting Outlandish UK charities like Leukaemia and Lymphona Research and World Child Cancer, than one with a cheesy slogan.”
“We want real Outlander tartan goods, like shawls, blankets, kilts and authentic jewelry relevant to both the show and books.”
She added:
“The official Outlander store struggles to offer merchandise that fans want to buy. Outlander shops set up by fans have high quality, well-designed items that are much better in terms of craft and design.”
But fans are willing to go to great lengths to track down Outlander mementos.
Mark Taylor, a glass blower from Georgian Glassmakers, was asked to make reproduction 18th century baluster glasses for Outlander’s banqueting scenes, and was stunned when fans tracked him down.
He says:
“It’s the most interest we’ve ever had. There’s only two of us hand making these items and we were asked to supply 42 glasses and 16 bottles for the filming of the Outlander series.”
“Since then fans have contacted us from around the world to buy their own glasses, which cost between £40-£60.”
“The glasses are hand-blown and take time and skill to make so we could never supply a production line.”
I myself have purchased several pocket Jamie’s. I love the books and love the TV show. I am not sure how I feel about buying low quality goods. Some shows, or books should not have the merchandise, the books, the graphic novels, TV Shows, and movies should be all that exist.
I probably will be purchasing the Funko items. I do love them. They are kooky, silly, and fun. But I will draw the line Claire inspired goodies.
How do you feel? Would you buy or do you need to buy all the goodies that are going to be flooding the market soon? Let us know how you feel below!
