Surge to Develop Worldwide Merchandise and Retail Program focusing on the Three Classic Hellraiser Movies
First Partners Signed to Create Branded Products Include Trick or Treat Studios and Fright Rags
New York, NY – September 13, 2024: Global brand management company Surge Licensing “Surge” has been appointed by Park Avenue Entertainment and Clive Barker as the exclusive global licensing agent for Clive Barker’s Hellraiser, creating a worldwide consumer products and retail program based on the first three theatrical installments of the classic supernatural horror franchise: Hellraiser (1987), Hellbound: Hellraiser II (1988), and Hellraiser III: Hell on Earth (1992). Surge and agency partner Caroline Mickler Licensing Ltd will exhibit at Brand Licensing Europe (booth A180) to meet with potential licensing partners.
Directed and written by Clive Barker, the first theatrical release of Hellraiser, based on Barker’s seminal novella The Hellbound Heart, premiered over 35 years ago in 1987. Since then, Hellraiser has grown to become one of the most popular and recognizable horror franchises in the world with legions of fans globally. The Hellraiser franchise consists of 11 films; four theatrical releases; six direct-to-video releases; a 2022 movie reboot premiering on Hulu; and a series of comic books.
Hellraiser centers on a mysterious puzzle box, the Lament Configuration, that opens the gateway to hell. The Lament Configuration can grant people their wishes, but at a terrible price. The box is guarded by the Cenobites, a group of extra-dimensional beings said to be humans who were later transformed into supernatural creatures, led by Pinhead.
To kick-off the new Hellraiser consumer products program, Surge has appointed its first global licensing partners, including Trick or Treat Studios, who will create figures, costumes and props; and Fright Rags for apparel and limited-edition collector cards. The products will feature some of the world’s most recognized horror characters, Pinhead, Chatterer, Butterball, The Engineer and more. Licensed Products are anticipated to start rolling out at retail in spring 2025. In developing the retail program, Surge will be seeking partners across multiple categories, including spirits, food and beverage, fragrance, games, collectibles, novelty and more.
Clive Barker commented: “The Hellraiser experience on film is always about taking audiences to places they’d never imagined, where demonic entities stalk those who believe they can outwit the forces of Eternal Darkness. The scale of the global response to the film continues to grow, as does the hunger audiences have for seeing more of the Cenobites and their infernal judgments.
Now, with this epic release of new collectible figures, masks, apparel, games, etc., through our licensing partner Surge, Hellraiser’s vast dark mythology is achieving new heights of stylish, classic horror.
It’s Surge’s passionate commitment to capturing every nuance of the Hellraisers’ mingling of horror and elegance that has made our partnership so rewarding. The creators at Surge are serious collectors, so I believe the marketplace will find an intensity and an authenticity in Surge’s vision which will excite fans and collectors around the world.”
“We are thrilled Surge has been appointed the global licensing agency for Hellraiser, a legendary horror brand with massive global recognition and a tremendous fanbase across a broad demographic,” stated Mark Freedman, President of Surge Licensing. “We see endless opportunities to create unique merchandise featuring renowned Cenobite characters from the franchise and are excited to work with our first two partners, Fright Rags and Trick or Treat Studios to develop a retail program to appeal to Hellraiser’s massive fan community, who have been craving new merchandise for years.”
Lawrence Kuppin, CEO of Park Avenue Entertainment commented: “We are excited to have partnered with Surge whose decades of licensing experience and many existing relationships will enhance and expand the Hellraiser brand.”
“The original Hellraiser has been a highly sought after property for us for many years, and we are thrilled to be finally working with it. Pinhead and the cenobites have a storied history in the pantheon of horror, and we cannot wait to lend our creative forces to the brand to create new and exciting products. We have such sights to show you…,” commented Ben Scrivens, President & CEO of Fright Rags.
“As fans of all the Hellraiser movies, Trick or Treat Studios is absolutely honored to be chosen to make the best costumes, masks, and action figures for this incredible franchise “said Chris Zephro, Founder and President of Trick or Treat Studios.
About Surge Licensing
Founded in 1986, Surge Licensing, Inc. is a Licensing Industry (‘LIMA”) award winning IP incubator, which identifies, nurtures, and grows brands into multi-platformed entertainment and consumer product licensing programs. As a routine innovator in merchandising and licensing, Surge develops unique multimedia strategies on the basis of its core value, perpetual enhancement of both the fan and user experience. Historically challenging traditional practices and venturing into non-conventional areas, Surge has developed a number of pop culture’s great iconic properties, including the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles®, Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining™, 2001 A Space Odyssey™, Webtoons® and more.
About Trick or Treat Studios
Trick or Treat Studios has been a trusted name in the Halloween and horror industry for over a decade. We offer a diverse selection of collectible-quality products, including masks, costumes, props, games, and action figures. Backed by a talented team of artists, FX professionals, and industry legends, we strive to bring your favorite characters to life in every product we create.
About Fright-Rags
Since 2003, Fright-Rags has been the go-to brand for horror fans, offering high-quality apparel and accessories from creature features, slasher flicks, classic horror and more. We’re dedicated to bringing horror culture to life with creatively crafted designs that resonate with true fans. Embrace your fandom with Fright-Rags—where passion for horror meets quality you can wear.
*Thanks to:
Michelle Orsi/Carol Holdsworth
Three.Sixty Marketing + Communications