Funko Partners with Rideback and Spuree for New Content Development

Collectibles brand Funko has entered into a partnership with Rideback, known for producing the “LEGO Movie” franchise and Netflix’s “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” along with AI-enabled creation tool company Spuree. This collaboration aims to develop and produce a range of film, television, and animated content based on Funko's extensive portfolio of brands, which includes Funko, Loungefly, and Mondo. The agreement will see Spuree and Rideback serve as content partners for original projects across various formats, including animation, hybrid, live-action, scripted, and unscripted content.

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The partnership is designed to unlock new storytelling opportunities that leverage Funko’s globally recognized brands and strong fan engagement. Funko CEO Josh Simon emphasized the goal of building scalable franchises that can thrive across multiple screens and consumer touchpoints. He stated, “Funko sits at the center of fan culture, turning the moments people love into collectible characters, with more than one billion products in the hands of fans worldwide.”

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Rideback co-CEO and Spuree co-founder Jonathan Eirich highlighted the potential for developing ambitious, creator-driven stories that honor the essence of the Funko universe while exploring new possibilities for its representation on screen. Michael LoFaso, also a co-CEO at Rideback and co-founder of Spuree, noted that the partnership would enable the application of innovative production workflows to create premium content efficiently.

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This announcement follows a prolonged period during which a Funko movie was in development at Warner Bros. The new collaboration marks a significant shift in Funko's approach to storytelling, moving from the development stage to active content creation.

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The partnership between Funko, Rideback, and Spuree represents a strategic move to capitalize on the growing demand for content that resonates with fan culture. By leveraging Funko's extensive brand recognition and Rideback's expertise in transforming beloved characters into compelling narratives, the collaboration aims to create a new wave of entertainment that appeals to both existing fans and new audiences.

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Josh Simon remarked on the partnership's potential, stating that it opens “a new chapter of storytelling for Funko fans everywhere.” Jonathan Eirich added that the collaboration presents an opportunity to develop stories that respect the DNA of the Funko universe while reimagining its possibilities on screen.

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Specific projects resulting from this partnership will be announced in the future, as the companies work together to explore the creative potential of Funko's intellectual properties.

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• “Funko sits at the center of fan culture, turning the moments people love into collectible characters, with more than one billion products in the hands of fans worldwide,” — Josh Simon, CEO of Funko

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• “Together, we see an opportunity to develop ambitious, creator-driven stories that respect the DNA of the Funko universe while reimagining what it can become on screen.” — Jonathan Eirich, co-CEO of Rideback and co-founder of Spuree

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• “Spuree was founded to help storytellers and rights holders build premium content more efficiently and creatively. This agreement allows us to apply that vision at scale, combining innovative production workflows with globally resonant IP.” — Michael LoFaso, co-CEO of Rideback and co-founder of Spuree

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