Toying With The King

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Elvis has always been a stud, but an L.A. promotions company believes the King has a future as a spud.

As in a hip-turning, white-jumpsuit-clad Mr. Potato Head.

Downtown L.A.-based PPW Toys has signed a licensing deal with Hasbro Inc., the maker of the iconic starch-based doll, for, yes, an Elvis Presley version of the toy. The release is set for Aug. 10 to coincide with Elvis Tribute Week in Graceland.

“Some combinations are cute and work, but having a Potato Head designed as Elvis really caught the whimsy of people,” said Dean Gorby, spokesman for PPW, a subsidiary of Hong Kong marketing agency Promotional Partners Worldwide.

This is only PPW’s second music-related licensing deal. Last year, it worked with rock band Kiss to produce a made-up and long-tongued Mr. Potato Head.

Previously, its licensed Mr. Potato Heads were sports themed, with Lakers and other team dolls available. It also has worked with the National Football League to produce sports-themed versions of Connect Four, the popular tic-tac-toe game.

The Elvis Potato Head puts the spud behind sun glasses, with microphone in hand and guitar hanging low. PPW plans to produce just 25,000 of the dolls, selling them for $19.95 online, and through specialty and novelty gift stores.

Next year, PPW plans to release a leather-clad King Potato Head to commemorate Elvis’ 1968 comeback TV special. Fans will get to vote online for a third model: Candidates are “Blue Hawaii” Elvis, “Jailhouse Rock” Elvis and gold lame Elvis.

“But Elvis in his less-distinguished later years won’t be an option,” joked Gorby.

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