To think he was once a little green slab of clay! The iconic green star kicks off a new career, with the studio planning to showcase his classic series, movies, and specials across its linear, AVOD, blockchain-based and other platforms.
He was once a little green slab of clay… but now Gumby, the iconic 1950’s franchise, is zipping into the 21st century with FOX Entertainment announcing the acquisition of the famed characters and all his friends. Acquired from the estate of Joseph Clokey, son of creator Art Clokey, the deal further cements FOX Entertainment’s long-term strategy of building a select, curated and culturally compelling library of owned content and intellectual property to showcase across its linear, AVOD, blockchain-based and other platforms. The announcement was made today by FOX Entertainment CEO Charlie Collier.
FOX Entertainment has obtained all rights to the popular franchise, including film, television and streaming, consumer products, licensing, publishing, and all other categories. It has also acquired the full library of Gumby animated series, specials, movies, and content, which will expand Tubi’s current offerings of the franchise. The classic, and well-known, IP complements other recent acquisitions and FOX partnerships, including Tubi; Bento Box Entertainment; Studio Ramsay Global; TMZ; MarVista Entertainment; and start-up company Blockchain Creative Labs, as well as FOX Alternative Entertainment and the newly formed FOX Entertainment Studios.
“Picking a new home was important to me, and I’ve found great partners in FOX Entertainment,” explained Gumby in a very green statement. “They have a vision for my modern, multi-platform reemergence, which is thrilling. Throughout our conversations, Pokey and I reiterated that we are talent they can mold. Literally.”
“Competition for globally recognized intellectual property is fierce,” added Collier. “Uncovering this gem, with its built-in awareness and affinity, and bringing it to FOX, adds meaningful value and creative possibilities to the IP itself and to multiple divisions of our company. FOX is proud to be home to these iconic characters. Welcome one and all.”
Internal teams are already hard at work both showcasing the classic Gumby series on Tubi and reimagining this beloved franchise for broadcast, streaming and beyond.
Upon Gumby and Pokey’s arrival at the iconic FOX Studios Lot in Century City, traffic on Pico Blvd. came to a standstill.
Source: Fox Entertainment
Debbie Diamond Sarto is news editor at Animation World Network.
