Latest news with #Bakugan
Cision Canada
24-04-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Spin Master Announces CFO Transition
to Succeed Mark Segal as Executive Vice President & CFO TORONTO, April 24, 2025 /CNW/ - Spin Master Corp. ("Spin Master" or the "Company") (TSX: TOY) a leading global children's entertainment company announced today that Jonathan Roiter will join Spin Master as Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, May 2025. Roiter's appointment follows the previously announced retirement of Mark Segal. "As we continue to execute against our vision to create magical play experiences for kids and families around the world, we are excited to welcome Jonathan to Spin Master," said Max Rangel, Spin Master's Global President & CEO. "Jonathan brings a wealth of experience in finance operational leadership, M&A and capital markets, which coupled with his deep understanding of the consumer-packaged goods industry will complement our leadership team and strengthen our focus on creating long-term shareholder value. Once again, I want to congratulate Mark on his retirement and thank him for his many contributions during his long tenure as CFO with Spin Master." Roiter joins Spin Master having most recently served as CFO for Softchoice. A seasoned executive with extensive public company experience, Roiter brings a holistic business focus with a track record of delivering top line and operating margin growth while expanding free cash generation. Prior to Softchoice, he held senior finance roles, including CFO, corporate development, strategy, and operating roles in publicly traded organizations, including GoodFood, Gildan and Ace Bakery, as well as having served as a consultant at McKinsey & Company. "As a Canadian-founded company, Spin Master has achieved tremendous success on the global stage in its 30-year history," said Roiter. "I look forward to joining the management team to continue to build on the company's legacy by driving growth, fortifying our financial foundation and enhancing shareholder value." About Spin Master Spin Master Corp. (TSX: TOY) is a leading global children's entertainment company, creating exceptional play experiences through its three creative centres: Toys, Entertainment and Digital Games. With distribution in over 100 countries, Spin Master is best known for award-winning brands PAW Patrol®, Hatchimals®, Bakugan®, Kinetic Sand®, Air Hogs®, Melissa & Doug®, Rubik's® Cube and GUND®, and is the global toy licensee for other popular properties. Spin Master Entertainment creates and produces compelling multiplatform content, through its in-house studio and partnerships with outside creators, including the preschool franchise PAW Patrol, and numerous other original shows, short-form series and feature films. The Company has an established presence in digital games, anchored by the Toca Boca® and Sago Mini® brands, offering open-ended and creative game and educational play in digital environments. Through Spin Master Ventures, the Company makes minority investments globally in emerging companies and start-ups. With 29 offices spanning nearly 20 countries, Spin Master employs close to 3,000 team members globally. For more information, visit or @SpinMaster on LinkedIn and Instagram. SOURCE Spin Master Corp.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Dwayne Johnson, Author: Crown Publishing Nabs True-Life, Hawaii-Set Crime Book Co-Written with Nick Bilton (Exclusive)
As far as careers goes, Dwayne Johnson has built out several. Actor, athlete, entrepreneur, wrestler. Now get ready for Dwayne Johnson, true crime author. Crown, the imprint under a division of Penguin Random House, has preemptively acquired a new true-life crime book to be co-authored by Johnson and award-winning investigative journalist Nick Bilton. More from The Hollywood Reporter Leonardo DiCaprio, Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt Eyeing Hawaii-Set Crime Film for Martin Scorsese 'Bakugan' Live Action Movie in the Works Vin Diesel Ends Speculation About Dwayne Johnson Feud After Oddball Golden Globes Moment The non-fiction book will chronicle the mostly untold story of a fierce and defiant Hawaiian crime syndicate known as The Company that battled outsider gangs and corporate invaders during the 1960s and 1970s. And it will shine a spotlight on Wilford 'Nappy' Pulawa — the first and only Hawaiian mob boss in history. The book deal occurs in tandem with a movie deal inked last week with 20th Century Studios and involves Hollywood heavyweights Martin Scorsese, Leonardo DiCaprio and Emily Blunt, in addition to Johnson and Bilton. The project was born from the close, 'ohana-like bond between Blunt and Johnson, who worked closely on Jungle Cruise, with the original idea sparked by Blunt. From there, Johnson and Bilton expanded the concept into a sweeping narrative and investigative book, uncovering the hidden history behind what was one of the most powerful criminal syndicates in America. Johnson's Polynesian roots, his formative years in Hawaii, and family ties make the telling of this story a deeply personal endeavor. Johnson and Bilton jumped deep into the volcano to explore tens of thousands of documents, from FBI files to court transcripts, and tracked down those who lived through this hidden chapter of American crime history for personal interviews. For the duo, it was a way to recount Hawaii's systematic theft by outsiders through the lens of this unique era. 'This isn't just a gangster story, it's about power, identity, and what was taken from the Hawaiian people,' Johnson said in a statement. 'What drew me to this project wasn't just the action and the intensity; for me, this story hits close to home. It's not just history, it's personal. My own family lived through parts of this era, and I've seen firsthand the complicated legacy it left behind. Telling this story is a way to honor our Polynesian culture, and honor where we come from and share the untold history of what really happened in paradise.' While still a ruthless criminal who rose to control a vast underworld on the islands, Pulawa stood apart from the traditional criminal elements. The book will show his singular focus of protecting his people, who were under both physical and cultural attack from Asia and America. He watched as his people's land, culture, and heritage was systematically taken and exploited by outsiders, from American corporations to powerful Asian crime syndicates. Driven by a profound determination to reclaim control and preserve his Hawaiian identity, Pulawa built an unprecedented criminal empire in the late 1960s through the 1970s. Known for his signature aloha shirts and fresh orchid leis, he resorted to unmatched levels of violence because the stakes were personal: his people's very survival. The book will show how Pulawa ascended to power rivaling mainland crime legends like Luciano, Capone and Gotti, until it all dramatically unraveled. 'This is an astonishing story filled with jaw-dropping twists, devastating cultural stakes, and the kind of unforgettable characters that writers dream about but rarely find outside the pages of fiction,' stated Bilton, the best-selling author of Hatching Twitter and American Kingpin and producer of the Emmy Award-winning HBO documentary The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley. 'It's exactly the type of true story that draws me in most, one where you can't easily separate heroes from villains, and every character forces you to reconsider what you thought you knew about right and wrong.' Bilton continued, 'Working with Dwayne, Emily Blunt and the incredible Gillian Blake at Crown on this book has been extraordinary, like excavating a lost history that was never meant to be found. What we have uncovered isn't just a story about crime, it's about power, identity, and the brutal cost of survival in the war for paradise.' The deal was negotiated by Jay Mandel and Erin Malone of WME and Blake, who is the executive vp, publisher and editor in chief of Crown. Blake will also serve as the book's editor. 'How often these days do we come across an epic and untold American story?' Blake posited proudly. 'This is one of those rare moments, and what makes this book even more special is the talent involved: Dwayne Johnson, with his unique and exciting storytelling ability and intimate roots to Hawaiian culture, and Nick Bilton, one of the best investigative journalists writing today.' Added Blake: 'Crown is setting its sights, like its namesake, to the top. This book will take its place alongside classic organized crime bestsellers like Mario Puzo's The Godfather and Nicholas Pileggi's Wiseguy, while also illuminating a historical period when the fight to preserve the Hawaiian way of life for its people turned deadly.' One of the big names in narrative non-fiction, Bilton has written for publications such as Vanity Fair and The New York Times and earned a 'Best Book of the Year' honor from The Wall Street Journal and Audible for American Kingpin. He created the Netflix documentary Biggest Heist Ever, based on his 'Bitcoin Bonnie and Clyde' magazine feature for Vanity Fair. Johnson actually made his book writing debut back in 2000 with the publishing of his memoir The Rock Says…, which became a New York Times best-seller. The Hawaiian crime book will be a far cry from the tone of that account, written before Johnson's rise as a Hollywood A-lister. He will next be seen in the upcoming A24 drama The Smashing Machine co-starring Blunt, and written and directed by Benny Safdie. 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See - Sada Elbalad
07-02-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
"Bakugan" Live Action Movie in Works
Spin Master Entertainment has tapped Brad Peyton to write, direct and produce a live action movie based on the popular Bakugan toy line earlier turned into an anime adventure TV series. Peyton and Lindsay Harbert will collaborate on a screenplay based on the global franchise set around a Japanese anime show and a strategic game that uses metal cards and magnetic, spring-loaded miniature figures that transform from marblelike balls into toy monsters. Peyton's credits include directing and producing "Atlas", starring Jennifer Lopez and Simu Liu for Netflix, helming "Rampage", the Dwayne Johnson-starrer that earned $428 million worldwide and he directed "San Andreas", which also starred Johnson and earned $475 million in worldwide takings. In TV, Peyton co-created "Daybreak" for Netflix, and directed "Frontier", starring Jason Momoa, also for Netflix. 'Bakugan is ready for the film treatment, and I'm thrilled to be the one to bring it to the big screen for the very first time. With Lindsay and the Spin Master team alongside me, we're excited to build a hit franchise with global appeal. I am confident we will create a must-see film event that does justice to the unique and epic world that is Bakugan,' Peyton said in a statement on Thursday. First launched in 2007, Bakugan became a successful and toy line and anime adventure series, while spinning off digital content and a popular card game. Spin Master also co-produced around 300 Bakugan TV episodes, with the franchise's toy line to date generating over $1 billion in sales worldwide. Toy maker Spin Master's movie slate already includes the upcoming third movie in the Paw Patrol franchise, to be released by Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies in 2026.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Brad Peyton to Write, Direct Live-Action ‘Bakugan' Film
'Rampage' director Brad Peyton will write and direct a live-action adaptation of 'Bakugan,' the hit toy and anime franchise for Spin Master. Originally launched in 2007, 'Bakugan' has generated more than $1 billion in toy sales as well as a series of kids anime shows that have mostly aired on Cartoon Network in the U.S. with a recent revival being released on Netflix in 2023. Peyton will write, direct and produce the film, collaborating with Lindsay Harbert and Spin Master on the screenplay. ''Bakugan' is ready for the film treatment, and I'm thrilled to be the one to bring it to the big screen for the very first time,' said Peyton. 'With Lindsay and the Spin Master team alongside me, we're excited to build a hit franchise with global appeal. I am confident we will create a must-see film event that does justice to the unique and epic world that is 'Bakugan'.' 'Bakugan' joins a slate at Spin Master that includes a third film in the 'Paw Patrol' series starring Jennifer Hudson that will be released by Paramount in 2026. The first two 'Paw Patrol' movies combined to earn over $345 million at the box office. Peyton's past films include the Dwayne Johnson action films 'Rampage' and 'San Andreas, which combined to gross $903 million at the global box office. He is represented by CAA, The Characters, and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern. Harbert is represented by CAA, Brooke Lindley, Gotham Group, and Del Shaw Moonves Tanaka Finkelstein Lezcano Bobb & Dang. The post Brad Peyton to Write, Direct Live-Action 'Bakugan' Film appeared first on TheWrap.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
SPIN MASTER DEVELOPING LIVE-ACTION BAKUGAN® FEATURE FILM; BRAD PEYTON (ATLAS, RAMPAGE, SAN ANDREAS) TO DIRECT
TORONTO, Feb. 6, 2025 /CNW/ - Spin Master Corp. (TSX: TOY) ( a leading global children's entertainment company, announced today it is developing a live-action Bakugan® feature film, with Brad Peyton signed on to direct, write, and produce. Peyton and Lindsay Harbert are collaborating with Spin Master Entertainment on the development of the screenplay based on the global franchise. Originally launched in 2007, Bakugan became a global phenomenon anchored by a highly successful and innovative toy line, anime adventure series, robust digital content, and a popular card game. Bakugan has captured the imagination of millions of children. On the small screen, Spin Master Entertainment has co-produced nearly 300 Bakugan episodes, which have aired globally. The award-winning Bakugan toy line has generated over $1 billion in sales worldwide since its launch, spanning 100 countries. "Bakugan is a global franchise with a multi-generational and devoted fanbase, built on the strength of its compelling characters and explosive battles," said Jennifer Dodge, Spin Master Entertainment's President. "As fans who were part of its initial craze now enter adulthood, we are thrilled to be working with accomplished filmmaking talent like Brad to reimagine Bakugan in live action, expanding the franchise for fans while introducing it to new audiences around the world." "Bakugan is ready for the film treatment, and I'm thrilled to be the one to bring it to the big screen for the very first time," said Peyton. "With Lindsay and the Spin Master team alongside me, we're excited to build a hit franchise with global appeal. I am confident we will create a must-see film event that does justice to the unique and epic world that is Bakugan." A director, writer, and producer, Peyton's credits include both directing and producing Atlas, starring Jennifer Lopez and Simu Liu, for Netflix, and Rampage, starring Dwayne Johnson and earning $428 million worldwide, as well as directing San Andreas, which also starred Johnson and earned $475 million. In television, Peyton co-created the post-apocalyptic comedy series Daybreak, for Netflix, and directed Frontier, starring Jason Momoa, also for Netflix. Peyton is also the founder of ASAP Entertainment, which produced Atlas, Rampage, Daybreak, and Frontier. The Bakugan film adds to a Spin Master movie slate that also includes the third film in the PAW Patrol franchise, which is slated for release in association with Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies in 2026. The third film based on the world's most popular children's television series welcomes EGOT winner Jennifer Hudson and popular comedian Fortune Feimster to a returning cast that includes Emmy nominee Mckenna Grace reprising her lead role as Skye. The first two PAW Patrol movies combined to earn over $345 million at the box office. Peyton is represented by CAA, The Characters, and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern. Harbert is represented by CAA, Brooke Lindley, Gotham Group, and Del Shaw Moonves Tanaka Finkelstein Lezcano Bobb & Dang. Already a global powerhouse in animation for kids and families, Spin Master Entertainment's vision is to deliver world class content across genres and generations with captivating storytelling and engaging characters for screens of all sizes. About Spin MasterSpin Master Corp. (TSX: TOY) is a leading global children's entertainment company, creating exceptional play experiences through its three creative centres: Toys, Entertainment and Digital Games. With distribution in over 100 countries, Spin Master is best known for award-winning brands PAW Patrol®, Hatchimals®, Bakugan®, Kinetic Sand®, Air Hogs®, Melissa & Doug®, Rubik's® Cube and GUND®, and is the global toy licensee for other popular properties. Spin Master Entertainment creates and produces compelling multiplatform content, through its in-house studio and partnerships with outside creators, including the preschool franchise PAW Patrol, and numerous other original shows, short-form series and feature films. The Company has an established presence in digital games, anchored by the Toca Boca® and Sago Mini® brands, offering open-ended and creative game and educational play in digital environments. Through Spin Master Ventures, the Company makes minority investments globally in emerging companies and start-ups. With 29 offices spanning nearly 20 countries, Spin Master employs close to 3,000 team members globally. For more information visit or follow-on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @spinmaster. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Spin Master Corp. View original content to download multimedia: Sign in to access your portfolio
