Paramount Licensing is lining up a heavy roster of licensees for Rango, the animated film featuring the voice of Johnny Depp.  Due for a March 4th release, it’s directed by Gore Verbinski, who has serious geek (and blockbuster) cred as the director of three Pirates of the Caribbean features and The Ring, among others.  Clever marketing for the film started at Comic-Con in July (see “Comic-Con Photos—Friday”).  

Licensees include Artbox for trading cards, Eaglemoss for a mini-magazine and figurine collection, Hot Toy for collectible figures, Palace Press International for an art book; and American Greetings for greeting cards, Fortune Fashions for apparel, Inkology for school supplies, Rubie’s for costumes, Scorpia for posters, Sterling for children’s books, and The Canadian Group for puzzles, games, and other kids products.