UK’s Vue Cinemas to Premiere World’s First Feature-Length Kidaverse Roblox Game Show Movie From Kartoon Studios
Kartoon Studios (NYSE American:TOON) has partnered with Vue Cinemas to launch the world's first feature-length game show movie, Kartoon Channel's Gaming Challenge UK. The 85-minute film will premiere this Easter, starting April 19, 2025, across Vue Cinema locations in the UK and ROI.
The movie features British children aged 9-11 competing in custom-built Roblox levels, hosted by Frankie Vu. Contestants will participate in various challenges including Rumble Raceway, Cock-a-Doodle Dash, and Shark Bait, competing for prizes such as iPhones, iPads, custom Nike shoes, and PlayStation 5.
Vue Entertainment, with 92 cinemas and over 896 screens throughout the UK and Ireland, will exclusively showcase this innovative gaming-meets-cinema experience, which aims to reimagine the traditional Saturday morning cinema concept with a modern gaming twist.
Kartoon Studios (NYSE American:TOON) ha stretto una partnership con Vue Cinemas per lanciare il primo film di giochi a lunga durata al mondo, Kartoon Channel's Gaming Challenge UK. Il film di 85 minuti avrà la sua prima proiezione questa Pasqua, a partire dal 19 aprile 2025, nelle sedi di Vue Cinema nel Regno Unito e nella Repubblica d'Irlanda.
Il film presenta bambini britannici di età compresa tra 9 e 11 anni che competono in livelli personalizzati di Roblox, condotto da Frankie Vu. I concorrenti parteciperanno a varie sfide tra cui Rumble Raceway, Cock-a-Doodle Dash e Shark Bait, competendo per premi come iPhone, iPad, scarpe Nike personalizzate e PlayStation 5.
Vue Entertainment, con 92 cinema e oltre 896 schermi in tutto il Regno Unito e Irlanda, presenterà esclusivamente questa innovativa esperienza che unisce giochi e cinema, mirata a reinventare il tradizionale concetto di cinema del sabato mattina con un tocco moderno di gioco.
Kartoon Studios (NYSE American:TOON) ha establecido una asociación con Vue Cinemas para lanzar la primera película de juego de larga duración del mundo, Kartoon Channel's Gaming Challenge UK. La película de 85 minutos se estrenará esta Pascua, comenzando el 19 de abril de 2025, en las ubicaciones de Vue Cinema en el Reino Unido y la República de Irlanda.
La película presenta a niños británicos de 9 a 11 años compitiendo en niveles personalizados de Roblox, presentado por Frankie Vu. Los concursantes participarán en varios desafíos, incluyendo Rumble Raceway, Cock-a-Doodle Dash y Shark Bait, compitiendo por premios como iPhones, iPads, zapatillas Nike personalizadas y PlayStation 5.
Vue Entertainment, con 92 cines y más de 896 pantallas en todo el Reino Unido e Irlanda, exhibirá exclusivamente esta innovadora experiencia que une juegos y cine, destinada a reinventar el concepto tradicional de cine de sábado por la mañana con un giro moderno de juego.
카툰 스튜디오 (NYSE American:TOON)는 뷰 시네마와 협력하여 세계 최초의 게임 쇼 장편 영화인 카툰 채널의 게임 챌린지 UK를 출시합니다. 85분 길이의 영화는 2025년 4월 19일부터 영국과 아일랜드의 뷰 시네마에서 상영될 예정입니다.
이 영화는 9세에서 11세 사이의 영국 아이들이 프랭키 부의 진행으로 커스터마이즈된 로블록스 레벨에서 경쟁하는 모습을 담고 있습니다. 참가자들은 Rumble Raceway, Cock-a-Doodle Dash 및 Shark Bait와 같은 다양한 도전 과제에 참여하며, 아이폰, 아이패드, 맞춤형 나이키 신발 및 플레이스테이션 5와 같은 상품을 놓고 경쟁합니다.
뷰 엔터테인먼트는 영국과 아일랜드 전역에 92개의 영화관과 896개 이상의 스크린을 보유하고 있으며, 게임과 영화가 결합된 이 혁신적인 경험을 독점적으로 선보일 예정입니다. 이는 전통적인 토요일 아침 영화 개념을 현대적인 게임 방식으로 재구상하는 것을 목표로 합니다.
Kartoon Studios (NYSE American:TOON) a établi un partenariat avec Vue Cinemas pour lancer le premier long métrage de jeu télévisé au monde, Kartoon Channel's Gaming Challenge UK. Ce film de 85 minutes sera diffusé en première ce week-end de Pâques, à partir du 19 avril 2025, dans les cinémas Vue du Royaume-Uni et de la République d'Irlande.
Le film met en scène des enfants britanniques âgés de 9 à 11 ans qui s'affrontent dans des niveaux Roblox conçus sur mesure, animés par Frankie Vu. Les concurrents participeront à divers défis tels que Rumble Raceway, Cock-a-Doodle Dash et Shark Bait, en compétition pour des prix tels que des iPhones, des iPads, des chaussures Nike personnalisées et une PlayStation 5.
Vue Entertainment, avec 92 cinémas et plus de 896 écrans à travers le Royaume-Uni et l'Irlande, présentera exclusivement cette expérience innovante qui allie jeux et cinéma, visant à réinventer le concept traditionnel du cinéma du samedi matin avec une touche moderne de jeu.
Kartoon Studios (NYSE American:TOON) hat eine Partnerschaft mit Vue Cinemas geschlossen, um den weltweit ersten Spielfilm im Game-Show-Format, Kartoon Channel's Gaming Challenge UK, zu lancieren. Der 85-minütige Film wird an Ostern, ab dem 19. April 2025, in den Vue-Kinos im Vereinigten Königreich und in der Republik Irland Premiere feiern.
Der Film zeigt britische Kinder im Alter von 9 bis 11 Jahren, die in eigens dafür entwickelten Roblox-Levels antreten, moderiert von Frankie Vu. Die Teilnehmer werden an verschiedenen Herausforderungen teilnehmen, darunter Rumble Raceway, Cock-a-Doodle Dash und Shark Bait, und kämpfen um Preise wie iPhones, iPads, individuell angepasste Nike-Schuhe und PlayStation 5.
Vue Entertainment wird mit 92 Kinos und über 896 Bildschirmen im gesamten Vereinigten Königreich und Irland exklusiv dieses innovative Erlebnis präsentieren, das Gaming mit Kino verbindet und darauf abzielt, das traditionelle Konzept des Samstagmorgen-Kinos mit einem modernen Gaming-Twist neu zu erfinden.
- First-mover advantage in gaming-cinema hybrid content
- Strategic partnership with major cinema chain Vue (92 locations, 896 screens)
- Targeting the massive Roblox user base (30M+ daily players)
- Multi-territory expansion potential after UK launch
- No revenue projections or financial terms disclosed
- initial release to UK/ROI market only
- No affiliation with Roblox could limit future opportunities
Insights
This pioneering venture by Kartoon Studios represents a calculated move to capitalize on the growing convergence of gaming and traditional entertainment. The partnership with Vue Cinemas, operating 92 state-of-the-art cinemas with 896 screens across the UK and Ireland, provides substantial distribution muscle for this experimental format.
The strategic timing of the Easter release is particularly astute, coinciding with school holidays when family entertainment demand peaks. By leveraging Roblox's massive daily active user base of 30 million players, the company is tapping into an established audience while creating a new theatrical experience that could generate multiple revenue streams:
- Direct box office revenues from theatrical release
- Potential licensing of the format to other territories
- Creation of a repeatable event-cinema model
- Cross-promotional opportunities with gaming platforms
The format's focus on young British competitors aged 9-11 creates relatable content for the target demographic while establishing a template that can be easily localized for different markets. This positions Kartoon Studios to potentially roll out similar productions across multiple territories, each featuring local talent and cultural elements.
What's particularly innovative is how this project bridges the digital-physical entertainment divide, transforming typically solitary gaming experiences into communal viewing events. This could establish a new category of theatrical entertainment, especially valuable for cinema chains seeking to diversify their content offerings beyond traditional films.
Kartoon Channel’s Gaming Challenge UK Brings Thrilling Roblox Competitions to the Big Screen, Featuring British Kids Competing For Amazing Prizes
After Launch in the UK, The Company Plans to Roll Out Across Multiple Territories
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kartoon Studios (NYSE American:TOON) today announced it will partner with Vue Cinemas to debut the world’s first feature-length game show movie, Kartoon Channel’s Gaming Challenge UK. Set to premiere this Easter, the 85-minute cinematic adventure showcases high-energy, family-friendly competitions featuring British children aged nine to 11, playing custom-built levels of Roblox. This unique movie event will hit Vue Cinema locations across the UK and ROI, including London, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Dublin, starting April 19, 2025.
Harnessing the massive popularity of Roblox – a gaming platform enjoyed by over 30 million players a day – Kartoon Channel’s Gaming Challenge UK combines thrilling gameplay with heartwarming moment of camaraderie and competition. Hosted by the charismatic Frankie Vu (NFL Show for Kids) the movie takes six talented young gamers through an epic tournament featuring inventive challenges created by the Kartoon Studios production team like:
- Rumble Raceway: A high-octane car race with unexpected twists
- Cock-a-Doodle Dash: A zany obstacle course set on a lively farmland
- Shark Bait: A daring quest to survive treacherous, shark-infested waters
The stakes are high, with winners taking home coveted prizes that include iPhones, iPads, custom Nike shoes, and a PlayStation 5, among other prizes.
“Our goal was to create a fun, positive, and safe experience—reimagining the Saturday morning cinema tradition with a modern twist centered around Roblox, a platform kids absolutely adore,” said Paul Robinson, President of Kartoon Channel Worldwide. “Kids love watching other kids having a blast, and we believe Gaming Challenge UK captures that energy perfectly. This movie transforms a classic TV series concept into an exciting feature film. We’re delighted to partner with Vue Cinemas to bring this one-of-a-kind project to families just in time for Easter. With its unique blend of gaming excitement and cinematic storytelling, Kartoon Channel’s Gaming Challenge UK is poised to become a must-watch family event this spring.”
Rob Lea, Head of Screen Content at Vue UK and Ireland, said: "At Vue, we’re big fans of innovation when it comes to unique ways for customers to enjoy the big screen experience. With Kartoon Channel’s Gaming Challenge UK, we’re excited to be showing a unique, first-of-its-kind big event for families this Easter. Roblox has proven to be a sensation with the younger generation, and we welcome gamers - young and old - to join us for the world's first-ever feature-length game show film, exclusively at Vue."
Kartoon Channel’s Gaming Challenge UK has no affiliation with the Roblox Corporation.
ABOUT VUE ENTERTAINMENT (UK)
Vue Entertainment (Vue) is a leader in the premium entertainment cinema sector in the UK.
Committed to continued growth and development of its premium entertainment ‘big screen’ experience, Vue delivers the best choice of content, combined with the best technology in the best environment.
Vue has 92 state-of-the-art cinemas throughout the UK and Ireland, with over 896 screens. With over 125,000 seats,
Vue Cinemas around the UK offer a range of content, in addition to highly anticipated blockbusters, with event cinema titles including opera, ballet, musicals, national theatre, live streaming of sporting events and concerts through to hosting Gaming championships and dedicating multiple screens to eGaming arenas.
Vue was founded in the UK following the acquisition of the Warner Village Cinemas in 2003 and is part of the largest cinema group in Europe, Vue International.
Over the years Vue has won numerous accolades for its service and innovations, including more recently International Exhibitor of the Year at CineEurope 2014 and Cinema Exhibitor of the Year Screen, Marketing & Distribution Awards 2013.
About Kartoon Studios
Kartoon Studios (NYSE AMERICAN: TOON) is a global end-to-end creator, producer, distributor, marketer, and licensor of entertainment brands. The Company’s IP portfolio includes original animated content, including the Stan Lee brand, “Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten,” starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, on Kartoon Channel! and Ameba; “Shaq’s Garage,” starring Shaquille O’Neal, on Kartoon Channel!; “Rainbow Rangers” on Kartoon Channel! and Ameba; the Netflix Original, “Llama Llama,” starring Jennifer Garner, and more. In 2022, Kartoon Studios acquired Canada’s WOW! Unlimited Media, and a material financial interest in its subsidiary, Mainframe Studios, which is one of the most successful animation service houses in the world, producing top brands for 3rd parties , including “Cocomelon,” “Barbie’s Playhouse,” Unicorn Academy,” and “SuperKitties.” Additionally, the company made a strategic investment becoming the largest shareholder in Germany’s Your Family Entertainment AG, one of Europe’s leading distributors and broadcasters of high-quality programs for children and families. Toon Media Networks, the Company’s wholly owned digital distribution network, consists of Kartoon Channel!, Frederator Network, and Ameba. Kartoon Channel! is a globally distributed entertainment platform with near full penetration of the U.S. market. Kartoon Channel! and Ameba are available across multiple platforms, including iOS, Android Mobile, Web, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku, Pluto TV, Comcast, Cox, Dish, Sling TV, Android TV, Tubi, Xumo, and Samsung and LG Smart TVs. Frederator Network owns and operates one of the largest global animation networks on YouTube, with channels featuring over 2000 exclusive creators and influencers, garnering billions of views annually.
For additional information, please visit www.kartoonstudios.com
Forward-Looking Statements:
Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Words such as "may," "might," "will," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "continue," "predict," "forecast," "project," "plan," "intend" or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements. While the Company believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release and include statements regarding Kartoon Studios partnering with Vue Cinemas to debut the world’s first feature-length game show movie, Kartoon Channel’s Gaming Challenge UK being set to premiere this Easter, the movie being available at Vue Cinema locations across the UK and ROI, including London, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Dublin, starting April 19, 2025. These forward looking statements are based upon current estimates and assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including without limitation; audience reaction to the game show movie; the success of the game show movie; our ability to anticipate changes in popular culture, media and movies; and those other risk factors set forth in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and in the Company's subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Thus, actual results could be materially different. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
MEDIA CONTACT:
pr@kartoonstudios.com
INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACT:
ir@kartoonstudios.com
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
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FAQ
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