Playmates Toys Announces the Discontinuation of Its STAR TREK Line

Playmates is tapping out of the STAR TREK game.

DECEMBER 8, 2O23 - In a recent development that has left Star Trek enthusiasts disheartened, Playmates Toys, the renowned toy company, has announced the cessation of their Star Trek action figure line. This decision comes as a surprise, especially considering the excitement that surrounded the company's return to the Star Trek universe two years ago. TrekCore reports that in June 2021, Playmates Toys had enthusiastically declared plans for a new lineup of action figures and accessories from various Star Trek series, including Star Trek: Discovery, Star Trek: Lower Decks, and Star Trek: Picard, among others.

However, the reality of the products released by Playmates Toys failed to meet the expectations set by the initial announcement. The company's output included only a few figures from Discovery, with designs that were already outdated, and revamped versions of figures from the 1990s. Although they did release figures from Star Trek: Prodigy, including characters like Dal, Murf, and Gwyn, the anticipated second wave featuring Hologram Janeway and Rok-Tahk was never released.

Citing poor sales figures as the primary reason, Playmates Toys has decided to shift their focus towards producing starship and roleplay items, such as electronic ships and classic Trek landing party gear, TrekCore reports. A representative from the company expressed disappointment over the lower-than-expected figure sales and confirmed this new direction.

In a similar vein, Super7, another company involved in the production of Star Trek merchandise, appears to be distancing itself from the franchise. According to TrekCore, the absence of Star Trek products at the New York Comic-Con and the lack of upcoming releases related to the series indicate a move away from the brand.

This turn of events is part of a broader trend of failed Star Trek licensing ventures, which is particularly disappointing for fans of Star Trek: Prodigy, who now face the absence of key characters from the toy line. The future of small-scale Trek action figures looks uncertain, with only a few companies like Hiya Toys attempting to venture into this space with their Kelvin Timeline preorders.

The news from Playmates Toys marks another chapter in the ongoing challenge of sustaining interest and success in the Star Trek merchandise arena, leaving fans and collectors to ponder what the future holds for their beloved franchise's collectibles.