Funko signs multi-project content deal with Rideback and Spuree

Funko announced on February 23, 2026 that it has signed a multi‑project content partnership with producer Rideback and AI studio Spuree to develop film, television and animated projects using Funko intellectual property and to explore AI‑assisted creative tooling. The agreement positions Spuree and Rideback as Funko’s content partners across animation, hybrid, live‑action, scripted and unscripted formats, with specific projects to be announced at a later date.

Rideback, best known for producing the LEGO Movie franchise and Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender, will join Spuree to translate Funko’s catalog, Funko, Loungefly and Mondo, into screen entertainment that the partners say is intended to build scalable franchises. The collaborators describe the deal as designed to unlock storytelling opportunities tied to Funko’s global brands and deep fan engagement, and to extend those franchises across screens, platforms and other consumer touchpoints.

Jonathan Eirich, identified as Rideback co‑CEO and Spuree co‑founder, said, “Funko has built one of the most recognizable and beloved pop culture platforms in the world. Together, we see an opportunity to develop ambitious, creator‑driven stories that respect the DNA of the Funko universe while reimagining what it can become on screen.” Michael LoFaso, identified as Rideback co‑CEO and Spuree co‑founder, framed the move in production terms: “Spuree was founded to help storytellers and rights holders build premium content more efficiently and creatively. This agreement allows us to apply that vision at scale, combining innovative production workflows with globally resonant IP.”

The arrangement underscores two converging industry trends. First, entertainment companies are increasingly treating collectibles and toy lines as launch pads for cross‑platform franchises, seeking to replicate the kind of commercial and cultural lift other toy-to-screen efforts have delivered. Second, studios and producers are experimenting with AI and AI‑enabled tools to streamline development and production workflows, from concepting to previsualization. Funko’s tie-up with an AI‑focused partner signals a willingness to apply machine learning tools to creative processes, though the companies have not provided technical specifics.

The commercial stakes are clear. Funko licenses widely across Disney, NBCUniversal, Warner Bros. Discovery and Netflix while also releasing original products. Turning the Pop! aesthetic into narrative properties could broaden revenue streams through media rights, merchandising and new consumer experiences. The agreement comes after years in which a Funko movie remained in development at Warner Bros., suggesting a strategic shift toward in‑house partnership and franchise building rather than a single studio tentpole.

The announcement also raises unanswered questions that will shape public response: whether the deal is exclusive, which Funko brands will be prioritized, what distribution partners will be involved, and how Spuree’s AI tools will be used and governed, particularly around intellectual property and creative credit. Transparency about AI workflows and ownership will be critical as fans and creators watch how collectible culture is translated into mass entertainment.

For collectors and casual viewers alike, the partnership promises more visible Funko storytelling on screens large and small. For the industry, it represents another test of whether the collectible-to-franchise playbook and AI-assisted production can combine to create commercially successful and culturally resonant entertainment.