ITV Studios hints at new Thunderbirds merchandise as 50th anniversary approaches

By John Freeman on January 9, 2014

ITV Studios has begun preparing in earnest for its new Thunderbirds are Go! series in 2015, having already announced the launch of its Classic Thunderbirds 50th anniversary plans and commenced the countdown to the new TV series, both set to premiere in 2015.

We can expect new Thunderbirds merchandise to be released as the anniversary nears, although there is still no word on which publishers are in the ring for any tie in Thunderbirds Are Go!-related publications.

ITV and New Zealand based Pukeko Pictures previously announced work was underway on on Thunderbirds are Go!, in collaboration with world-famous Weta Workshop (Avatar, King Kong, The Lord of the Rings) – a 26 x 30’ major new children’s series.

We previously reported that, 50 years after its television debut the iconic series is back in production, featuring a talented cast led by Rosamund Pike (The World’s End, Gone Girl) as Lady Penelope and David Graham (Thunderbirds 1965) reprising his role as chauffeur and International Rescue agent Parker.

A tantalising ad for Thunderbirds are Go! the new Thunderbirds TV show, set to debut in 2015.

Very little is known about the look of the show at this stage, but ITV released this tantalising sneek peek of the new Thunderbird 1 back in September, in a special advertisement for MIPCOM 2013.

The Series Editor on the new show is Anthony Cox, who announced his role back in October.

“The series is using a unique method of complete miniature backgrounds and plate shots married with CGI characters,” he explained. “It has never before been done on this scale, especially at a television level and I am very excited to be diving into the deep end on this and learning all about the animation process, which is quite foreign at this stage! It’s a great opportunity.”

ITV confirmed this week that the were making plans for anniversary product and limited edition ranges to celebrate Thunderbirds 50th anniversary in 2015.

“Brand awareness will get another boost when Thunderbirds are Go! debuts on ITV and CITV,” said a spokesperson.

Featuring the world’s most famous family of heroes, International Rescue, this re-invention of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson’s iconic series will blast the five brave Tracy brothers back on to television screens piloting their incredible vehicles into impossible rescues across the globe.

ITV hopes it will deliver a whole new level of action-adventure animation for today’s audience, whilst also affectionately paying tribute to the legacy of model locations from the classic series.

Thunderbirds are Go! is executive produced by Estelle Hughes for ITV Studios, Giles Ridge for ITV Studios Global Entertainment (ITVS GE) and Richard Taylor and Andrew Smith for Pukeko Pictures. The series head writer is Rob Hoegee (Generator Rex, Teen Titans, Ben 10, Slugterra).

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.