2026 opens with a series of strategic initiatives and high-value projects for Maurizio Distefano the evolution of Licensing, which continues to strengthen its market positioning through high-profile partnerships and impactful activities. The agency is further advancing its integrated approach, developing strategies that enhance IPs in a cross-category and innovative way.
Maurizio Distefano the evolution of Licensing wins two awards at the Bologna Licensing Awards 2026.
This year once again, Maurizio Distefano the evolution of Licensing has secured prestigious recognitions at the Bologna Licensing Awards, confirming the strength of the strategic work developed across some of the key properties in its portfolio. Two projects by Maurizio Distefano Licensing have been selected as winners, reinforcing an approach increasingly focused on long-term value creation and a deep understanding of market dynamics.
Bluey proved to be the standout star of the Bologna Licensing Awards, winning no fewer than three awards across different categories.
The lovable Blue Heeler won in the Best Property of the Year category, an award that evaluates not only the intrinsic strength of the property but also the quality and effectiveness of the licensing program developed throughout 2025, its cross-category reach, and its overall impact in terms of visibility and market performance. This achievement reflects the brand’s growing relevance within the family segment and its ability to activate consistent initiatives across multiple touchpoints, from product to location-based entertainment.
Additionally, the publishing project developed by Ladybird Books, Penguin Random House UK, received the award in the Best Pre-School Licensing Project category. This recognition considers not only the product category involved, but above all the level of innovation in licensed products, particularly in terms of development approach and the project’s impact on the market.
Finally, Bluey also secured the Best Licensed Videogame Award for the project created in collaboration with LEGO.
The award for Best Licensed Kiosk Product was given to the project developed by Panini S.p.A. under the Moomin license. The collection, featuring a variety of trading cards dedicated to the iconic characters of the series, stands out for its high editorial quality and for a concept designed to offer consumers an engaging collecting experience, enriched by the inclusion of limited-edition cards with exclusive artwork, as well as innovative materials and printing techniques aimed at enhancing and surprising collectors.
Three New Films Coming to Theatres
The agency also announces the release of three new films dedicated to three of its key IPs: Bluey, Asterix, and CoComelon.
Starting in December 2026, fans of Asterix will be able to enjoy a brand-new CGI feature film – Asterix: The Kingdom of Nubia – bringing an original adventure to the big screen, packed with humor, action, and unexpected twists, featuring all the beloved characters from the iconic saga.
From February 3, 2027, audiences will be able to experience CoComelon like they have never seen before: from the small screens of YouTube to the big silver screen in cinemas! CoComelon: The Movie (final title tbc), distributed globally by Universal Pictures and produced by Moonbug Entertainment, Flywheel Media, and DreamWorks Animation. Fans will follow JJ and his friends on a brand new adventure featuring new characters, new music and new locations. US will release February 19, 2027, and Italy at the end of February 2027.
Finally, the Bluey film will premiere in cinemas worldwide in August 2027, followed by streaming on Disney+. The movie will also air on ABC iview and ABC Kids in Australia post-theatrical release.
Care Bears™ x United Colors of Benetton Collection Arrives in Stores
The capsule collection dedicated to the iconic Care Bears™ is now available online and in United Colors ofBenetton stores, featuring a line designed for kids (ages 1–6) and junior (ages 7–14). The collection offers an exclusive range of apparel for younger audiences, distinguished by original designs and the brand’s signature vibrant color palette.
Each piece reflects Benetton’s commitment to quality and comfort, delivering a fun and stylish fashion experience for children and families. The collaboration brings together values of caring, joy, and sharing in a bright and playful collection designed to resonate across generations. It also aligns perfectly with the Care Bears™’ global 2026 theme, “Colors of Caring,” celebrating how the Care Bears™ use colors to express different shades of care and empathy.
Care Bears™: Localized Italian Social Media Channel Goes Live
To further accelerate the brand’s growth in the Italian market, Cloudco Entertainment, owner of Care Bears™, has rolled out a new digital strategy, marked by the launch of official an localized Care Bears social media channel- @carebears_ita on Instagram. This initiative represents a significant strategic milestone in strengthening brand awareness in the region while fostering a more direct, consistent, and meaningful connection with the local audience.
The activation is part of a broader content localization framework, designed to tailor tone of voice, creative assets, and storytelling to the cultural nuances of the Italian market, ensuring greater relevance and resonance.
Supported by a dedicated editorial strategy, the channels will deliver highly engaging content, brand-consistent visuals, and targeted activations aimed at driving interaction, participation, and community building. At the same time, this approach will play a key role in supporting licensing partners, creating a robust digital ecosystem that amplifies campaigns, drives traffic, and enhances brand visibility across all key touchpoints.
New Partnership Between Acamar Films and Inscenando – Eventi su Misura
With regards to Location-Based Entertainment, Maurizio Distefano the evolution of Licensing announced a new partnership between Acamar Films, producer of the much-loved preschool series Bing, broadcast daily on Rai Yoyo, and Inscenando – Eventi su Misura, for the management of costume characters in Italy.
The agreement foresees the development of a structured program of activities featuring Bing and Flop costume characters across shopping malls nationwide. The initiative is designed to deliver immersive, high-impact live experiences aimed at strengthening brand awareness and fostering direct, meaningful engagement with families.
Through tailored formats and the expertise of Inscenando – Eventi su Misura, the partnership will bring high-quality live activations to market, created to surprise, entertain, and fully engage children and families.
MC2 Saint Barth Launches a Collection dedicated to Polaretti®
Polaretti®, an iconic symbol of Italian summer and a pop cultural language associated with joy and freshness, announced an exclusive collaboration with MC2 Saint Barth.
For Spring–Summer 2026, Polaretti® makes its debut in the beachwear segment with a men’s swimsuit featuring Mr. Polaretto, the penguin mascot of the iconic brand, reimagined in a new micro-print designed by MC2 Saint Barth.
This project opens a new chapter for Polaretti®: a pop symbol becomes wearable, fully stepping into the world of contemporary lifestyle. The result of the collaboration between these two iconic brands is a men’s swimsuit, the “Lighting micro fantasy” model, characterized by an all-over print celebrating Polaretti® and the penguin Mr. Polaretto.
The design blends style and functionality: lightweight technical fabric with quick-dry properties, an impeccable fit, and carefully crafted tailored details to accompany every moment of the holiday, from the beach to aperitivo.
Bluey and Bingo took part in a Special Easter Egg Hunt at Leolandia
From April 4 to 6, Leolandia hosted a special Easter Egg Hunt featuring the beloved Blue Heeler sisters from the hit preschool series Bluey, broadcast on Rai Yoyo and following the adventures of Bluey, Bingo, and their family.
During the Easter weekend, children and families visiting the park were able to collect a map that guided them through clues and across the park in search of hidden eggs, ultimately receiving a 20g chocolate egg branded Dolfin as a reward.
The initiative engaged a wide family audience, delivering an interactive and memorable experience fully aligned with the brand’s values and audience expectations.
Events of this kind represent a key strategic asset to amplify IP visibility and create direct, meaningful touchpoints with end consumers.
These developments further reinforce the distinctive approach of Maurizio Distefano the evolution of Licensing, which is increasingly focused on seamlessly integrating content, brands, and experiences within a consistent and forward-looking strategic vision.
This model brings together strategic thinking, creative excellence, and strong execution capabilities, delivering tangible value for partners while enhancing the long-term strength and relevance of its properties in the market.
