Fans have had their first look at the 13 new engines at the film’s blue carpet premiere.
The release of the The Great Race is the grand finale of the brand’s #TeamThomas campaign launched earlier in the year.
The film has a stellar voice cast that includes Bollywood actress Tina Desai, who will bring to life the new engine, Ashima of India. This marks another milestone in the show’s 70-year heritage, as it will be the first time producers have paired Thomas with a strong female lead character.
The event, which saw appearances from celebrity guests Frankie Bridge, Michelle Heaton and their families, took place at London’s King’s Cross Theatre. The event was also attended by John Hasler, voice of Thomas, Rufus Jones, voice of the new engine The Flying Scotsman and Storyteller Mark Moraghan. The Edwardian railway station-themed theatre offered a premiere experience complete with a real steam train.
Wendy Hill, brand activation director at Mattel, commented: “It’s been a racing start for Thomas & Friends this year with the launch of our #TeamThomas campaign leading to Thomas’ 11th feature film. There is so much more to come as we look forward to the launch of products based on the film, including the additions of the new international engines to the toy line and the new TrackMaster Thomas Sky-High Bridge Jump Set. At over 38” tall, this playset sees Thomas fly over two feet in the air in a spectacular first for the toy line.”
This international music adventure is showing in cinemas now, and the DVD will be released on 5th September.
