EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan 28, 2026--
Thomas & Friends™, the beloved children’s franchise from Mattel, reveals a bold new look for Thomas the Tank Engine, kicking off a full-franchise relaunch rolling out this fall. Marking the first step in a broader brand evolution, the update honors more than 80 years of storytelling and authentic train-culture while paying homage to its heritage and introduces a modern aesthetic designed to inspire today’s children and fans of all ages.
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Since his debut in 1945, Thomas the Tank Engine has evolved alongside generations, from classic book illustrations to live-action television, CGI, and most recently, a 2D animation style. For this new creative direction, Mattel undertook a thoughtful design process grounded in what audiences have loved most about Thomas over time. Informed by research and creative exploration, the refreshed design stays true to Thomas’s core and, in testing with preschoolers and their parents, ranked highest in appeal, personality, and emotional connection.
Key new design elements include:
“Thomas has been a trusted companion for families for more than 80 years, and the new look reflects both where the brand comes from and where it’s headed on its next adventure,” said Ted Wu, senior vice president and Global Head of Vehicles & Building Sets at Mattel. “We returned to the elements that parents and kids love most while updating the design to feel relevant for today’s preschool audience. Authentic train details, timelessness and emotional storytelling form the foundation for the years ahead for Thomas & Friends.”
This is just the beginning of Thomas’s next chapter. Featuring a refreshed Thomas & Friends™ logo, new brand design elements and updated character designs rooted in their iconic heritage, the franchise will roll out additional announcements throughout 2026 with live experiences, product, publishing and content. For more information on Mattel and its brands, visit www.mattel.com.
About Mattel
Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends™, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Matchbox®, Monster High®, MEGA® and Polly Pocket®, and Barney®, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us at mattel.com
Thomas & Friends™, the beloved children’s franchise from Mattel, reveals a bold new look for Thomas the Tank Engine, kicking off a full-franchise relaunch rolling out this fall.
“The Great American State Fair” is a series of concerts, exhibits, tributes and other programs scheduled to take place June 25 to July 10 on Washington’s National Mall. It was organized by Freedom 250, which is billed as a nonpartisan organization but was launched last year by President Donald Trump and is headed by a Trump State Department appointee from his first term, the businessman-philanthropist Keith Krach.
On Wednesday, Freedom 250 announced that Bret Michaels, the Commodores and Martina McBride would be among the musical performers, some of whom were slated for an “I Love the ’90s” show on June 26.
But by late Thursday, Michaels, the Commodores and McBride had dropped out, as did Morris Day and Young MC.
Michaels and others have said that they were misled about the theme of the shows or were otherwise wary of being caught up in a political fight. In an Instagram post, Michaels wrote that he had thought his show would be a chance to “honor our veterans, active military, first responders, teachers and hardworking Americans from all walks of life.” But he concluded that the event had “evolved into something much more divisive” and referred to “threats that are completely unfounded and unforgivable.”
McBride also issued an Instagram statement, saying she had been “presented with an opportunity to perform at a nonpartisan event but that turned out to be misleading.” Young MC expressed similar sentiments in an Instagram post, while the Commodores released a brief statement saying they chose “not to publicly affiliate with any single political party.”
As of Friday morning, performers still expected to appear include Flo Rida, Vanilla Ice and Fab Morvan of Milli Vanilli, the Grammy-winning duo from the late 1980s-early 1990s who were discredited after reports that Morvan and fellow front man Rob Pilatus did not sing on the records and lip-synced on stage. (The actual singers, including sisters Jodie and Linda Rocco, told The Associated Press that they were not invited).
Morvan told the AP in an emailed statement that he was "here to entertain and unite people, not divide them.”
"Let’s celebrate life & music and take a trip down memory lane,” he said.
A representative for Vanilla Ice told the AP in an email that the “Ice Ice Baby” rapper was “proud to help celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary!"
"Everyone is welcome to attend and celebrate USA’s Birthday and our Freedom!” the representative said.
A Flo Rida representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Freedom 250 organizers have yet to respond to AP requests for comment. Freedom 250 spokeswoman Rachel Reisner told The New York Times in a statement that “Freedom 250 is focused on our signature celebrations and events that honor our history and engage all Americans.”
Trump, a Republican, has some prominent supporters in the entertainment industry, including Sylvester Stallone and Nicki Minaj, but many more have shunned him. Taylor Swift, Robert De Niro,Billie Eilish and Bruce Springsteen are among those who have endorsed Democrats and/or condemned Trump, while Elton John, Kenny Loggins and others have objected to their music being used for Trump rallies or Trump videos. After the president ousted the leadership last year at the Kennedy Center and had his own name placed on the building’s facade, numerous artists, including Bela Fleck, Renée Fleming and Issa Rae, called off scheduled appearances.
FILE - Martina McBride performs, Oct. 28, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)
FILE - Young MC performs during the "I Love The 90's" tour on Aug. 7, 2022, at RiverEdge Park in Aurora, Ill. (Photo by Rob Grabowski/Invision/AP, File)
FILE - In this Oct. 26, 1992 file photo, Fabrice Morvan, left, and Rob Pilatus of Milli Vanilli perform during the taping of the Arsenio Hall Show in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Craig Fujii, File)
FILE - Singer Brett Michaels performs at halftime of an NFL football game between the Detroit Lions and the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale, Ariz., Sept. 8, 2019. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri, File)
