By Kayla DeKraker
The Peanuts franchise, home of beloved characters such as Charlie Brown, Snoopy and their friends, found new ownership under Sony Pictures — the media giant acquired 41% of the franchise.
The deal was made for around $457 million. Deadline reported, “When the transaction is completed, Sony — which already owns approximately 39% of Peanuts Holdings after a 2018 acquisition — will own 80% of the company. The Schulz family will retain its current 20% stake.”
“Since 2018, SMEJ has been proud to be part of the partnership behind ‘Peanuts’, an iconic global entertainment brand with a 75-year legacy of delighting audiences worldwide,” said Shunsuke Muramatsu, President and Group CEO, Sony Music Entertainment Japan, of the acquisition.
Related: Peanuts Find Home on This Streamer Until 2030
He added, “With this additional ownership stake, we are thrilled to be able to further elevate the value of the ‘Peanuts’ brand by drawing on the Sony Group’s extensive global network and collective expertise. We are deeply committed to carrying forward the legacy of Charles Schulz and the Schulz family. Together with SPE, and backed by WildBrain’s continued partnership, we will continue to embrace new opportunities to ensure that ‘Peanuts’ remains a relevant and beloved presence across generations — reaching new audiences and sharing the timeless charm of the ‘Peanuts’ gang for years ahead.”
SPE president and CEO Ravi Ahuja said, “‘Peanuts’ is enduring and iconic. We value the deep collaboration we have with our SMEJ colleagues and look forward to building on their meaningful partnership with WildBrain and the Schulz family. With our combined strengths, we have the unique capability and extraordinary opportunity to protect and shape the future of these beloved characters for generations to come.”
The Peanuts were first created by Charles Schulz in 1947, but the comic strip was originally called “Li’l Folks.” The beloved character Snoopy was based off the Schulz family dog named Spike. The character was originally going to be called Sniffy, but that name was already taken in another comic. The first movie, A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS, premiered Dec. 5, 1965, on CBS.
In 2015, the characters found their place in THE PEANUTS MOVIE from 20th Century Fox Animation and Blue Sky Studios.
Movieguide®’s review of THE PEANUTS MOVIE calls it “a wonderful animated movie based on the beloved comic strip created by Charles Schulz. It brings back Snoopy, Woodstock, Charlie Brown, and the whole gang.”
The review notes, “THE PEANUTS MOVIE is one of the best family movies in recent years! The 3D animation is beautiful and inventive, yet still feels old fashioned. Fans won’t be disappointed. Most refreshing is the movie’s positive Christian, redemptive, moral worldview as Charlie is rewarded for being compassionate, honest, selfless, and brave. The message is so on the nose and avoids nuance, that nearly every child will understand the movie’s message.”
Hopefully, Sony will continue the Peanuts’ uplifting legacy.
Read Next: 10 Wise Lessons from Peanuts
Questions or comments? Please write to us here.
– Content: +1Share:
– Content: +4