Star Wars, the venerable property that has held the top spot for two straight years (see “Star Wars Tops Toy Charts”), is in for some major competition as the #1 licensed toy property in 2010. Pixar’s Toy Story franchise, which has racked up some $8 billion in merchandise sales, is back with a vengeance thanks to this summer’s release of Toy Story 3.  Not only are Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Mr. Potato Head, and the popular toys from the first two films returning, toys based on the fourteen new characters introduced in TS 3 are joining the wave of merchandise heading for toy stores and specialty shops including Lots-O’-Huggin’ Bear, the first plush toy to appear in the film franchise.  Mattel’s Barbie, who appeared in Toy Story 2, is back and her beau Ken also joins the franchise this time around in a "swinging bachelor" incarnation.

 

Disney/Pixar has spread the wealth with nearly every major toy company getting a piece of the Toy Story 3 action.  Thinkway Toys has the chatty Lots-O’-Huggin’ Bear (MSRP $39.99), and Ultimate Buzz Lightyear Programmable Robot ($149.99).  Mattel has both Barbie and Ken Toy Story 3 figures as well as a number role playing toys and linkable playsets, Toy Story Action Links ($14.99 to $39.99) that can be snapped together.

 

The LEGO Group is presenting its first Toy Story lineup that includes The Toy Story 3 Western Train ($79.99) and Toy Story 3: Lotso’s Dump Truck ($19.99).  Jakks Pacific is prepping a full range of Toy Story 3 Halloween costumes.

 

Hasbro has a new collection of Toy Story 3 Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head figures including Mr. & Mrs. Potato Head dressed up as Woody, Buzz, and Jessie.  Also new is a talking Mr. Potato Head Plush Figure ($19.99) who says lines from all three Toy Story movies.

 

Hasbro is also creating co-branded Toy Story 3 versions of a number of its most popular games including Yahtzee, Memory, Operation, Trouble, Connect 4, and Chutes and Ladders.