Action Figures New Year’s Eve Spectacular: 2026 Predictions (Quick Hits)
The final Toy Box Chronicles stream of 2025 closed the year with bold predictions, hard truths, and a clear message for the toy industry: collectors want bigger ideas, better communication, and fewer half-steps in 2026.
Below are the key highlights, stripped down to what actually matters.
Hasbro: Pressure to Go Big
• Marvel Legends – Collectors are ready for a true HasLab moment. Vehicles or playsets are the expectation, not deluxe figures. Blackbird, Danger Room, or a large-scale monster were the most discussed possibilities.
• Transformers – The appetite for spectacle is back. Another Unicron-level release, or a massive display-focused centerpiece, feels increasingly likely.
• Star Wars – Vintage Collection continues to feel HasLab-ready, while Black Series collectors are still waiting for a meaningful crowdfunding project.
• G.I. Joe Classified – The message was unanimous: it’s tank time. MOBAT or Mauler-level hardware feels overdue.
Mattel: Playing It Too Safe
• Masters of the Universe – The upcoming live-action film raised concerns, particularly around creative direction and setting.
• Mattel Creations – Heavy reliance on nostalgia continues. Collectors want Mattel to use crowdfunding to take real creative risks, not just repackage legacy wins.
McFarlane Toys: Consistency Still Missing
• Spawn – Praise when soft goods and extra heads are included. Frustration when the line stagnates.
• DC Multiverse – Strong designs, but uneven quality control and communication around crowdfunded projects remain pain points.
Super7: Overextended
• Store closures weren’t shocking. Product strategy was the real concern.
• Too many licenses, high prices, and scattered focus.
• Clear calls for fewer lines, more original IP, and better value.
NECA: Quiet Momentum
• Improving customer service and strong horror offerings stood out.
• Risk remains in over-releasing and leaning too hard on reissues.
Mezco: Still Premium, But Tested
• Design quality remains high.
• Delays, pricing, limited drops, and checkout issues continue to wear down goodwill.
• Competition is closing the gap faster than ever.
Playmates: Big Question Mark
• Loss of TMNT leaves the brand’s future uncertain.
• Strong legacy, but unclear direction moving forward.
The Big Takeaway
Collectors aren’t asking for more figures. They’re asking for ambition. Bigger ideas. Clearer timelines. Honest communication.
2026 looks primed for a shakeup. The companies willing to listen and take risks will define the next era of the hobby.
