MUMBAI: In what industry insiders are calling a "plastic fantastic reunion," Mattel, Inc. and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products have announced a global licensing agreement that will see Batman and friends return to their former toy maker starting in late 2026.

The multi-year deal grants Mattel rights to produce action figures, playsets and collectibles based on DC's entire roster of spandex-clad do-gooders and cackling villains. This means everything from Batman's brooding silhouette to The Joker's maniacal grin will soon grace toy shelves worldwide.

Nick Karamanos of Mattel declared it "an incredibly proud milestone" to welcome DC back to the fold, whilst carefully avoiding mention of the years DC spent gallivanting with rival toymakers. One imagines there might have been a rather awkward "where have you been all these years?" conversation at the negotiating table.

Warner Bros.' Robert Oberschelp noted the timing coincides with "DC's exciting new chapter in 2025," though he refrained from specifying whether this excitement involves yet another Batman reboot or simply the accountants' jubilation at the licensing fees.

The arrangement builds upon an existing relationship between the companies spanning more than 30 brands, including Harry Potter and oddly enough, Ted Lasso, should you fancy your child playing with a miniature football manager known for colourful language and biscuit diplomacy.

Industry analysts suggest this corporate marriage may deliver a much-needed boost to both parties, though they've stopped short of calling it a "super" partnership. 

At the very least, Batman fans can look forward to their hero returning to the plastic realm where he arguably belongs—standing proudly on bedroom shelves, forever frozen in a heroic pose whilst collecting a fine layer of dust.