Ready for a little bit of toy history, Hollywood style?
It was 30 years ago that Ty Warner launched the product that would firmly place his eponymous company, Ty Inc., in the history books: Beanie Babies.
The plush craze made billions and became the subject of numerous books and documentaries, including Zac Bissonnette’s 2016 book, The Great Beanie Bubble: Mass Delusion and the Dark Side of Cute. The book, published by Penguin Random House’s Portfolio division, serves as the basis for the new film, The Beanie Bubble, and has since been reissued with an updated subtitle: The Amazing Story of How America Lost Its Mind Over a Plush Toy — and The Eccentric Genius Behind It.
Now, as the film from directors Kristin Gore and Damian Kulash hits streaming on Apple TV+ today, the real-life Warner (played in the film by Zach Galifianakis) is commenting on the production and serving up a fun giveaway for families that would still like to catch it on the big screen!
I applaud the filmmakers for capturing the unprecedented energy and excitement — though not the facts — surrounding the original release of Beanie Babies 30 years ago. The movie is, by its own admission, partly fiction. But, like the filmmakers, I am in the business of dreams, and I admire their creative spirit. To the fans and collectors of Beanie Babies who have been there for the last three decades, thank you for all the love you have shown."
To celebrate the 30-year legacy of Beanie Babies, Warner’s company will give away free Beanie Babies at 37 select theatres across the U.S.
While supplies last, families attending screenings (find your local theater here) can receive the Patti II Platypus Beanie Baby, “a snuggly soft Ty fabric buddy complete with the official Ty Heart and a special birthday poem.”
“We hope you like our new Beanie Baby collection. We’ve tried to capture all the magic again — 30 years later,” adds Warner.
How many Beanie Babies do you have in your collection?
