Nickandmore!

via Corus Entertainment press release:

BEYBLADE: METAL FUSION TO DEBUT IN U.S. ON CARTOON NETWORK

(Toronto, Canada) The boys’ action phenomenon, BEYBLADE, is making a much anticipated return to the U.S. after taking the world by storm with its enormous global success in the early 2000s. Nelvana Enterprises is pleased to announce that the next iteration of the hit franchise – entitled BEYBLADE:  Metal Fusion – will premiere in the U.S. on Cartoon Network on Saturday, June 26 at 7:30 a.m. ET/PT.

The 51 new episodes from Nelvana and d-rights Inc. offer a fresh take on the original series with new characters competing for dominance with their spinning BEYBLADE tops, battling against an evil organization, The Dark Nebula. Staying true to the Japanese version of BEYBLADE, it features a new storyline brought to life in a unique mix of 2D animation and battle scenes with the tops spinning in CGI animation!

The original BEYBLADE toy line was a massive hit with boys, selling out in stores and attracting thousands of competitors to tournaments around the world. The new toy line features an innovative metal gear system and an online virtual battle component. BEYBLADE is again one of the most popular toy lines in Japan, selling over 17 million tops and accessories since the 2008 re-launch by Tomy Company, Ltd., accelerated by the start of the broadcast of the new episodes in April 2009.

Hasbro, Inc. brought the original product line successfully to market in the U.S. and other regions, and has been appointed the master toy licensee for the new line in most international markets outside of Asia. The new toys are set to be on shelves this spring in Canada and this fall in the U.S. Nelvana Enterprises will be distributing the TV series internationally, as well as representing d-rights in various countries, as licensing agent.

BEYBLADE: Metal Fusion will premiere in Canada with four back-to-back episodes Saturday, May 15 at 12 p.m. ET/PT on YTV.

About Corus Entertainment Inc.

Corus Entertainment Inc. is a Canadian-based media and entertainment company. Corus is a market leader in specialty television and radio with additional assets in pay television, advertising services, television broadcasting, children’s book publishing and children’s animation. The company’s multimedia entertainment brands include YTV, Treehouse, Nickelodeon (Canada), W Network, CosmoTV, VIVA, Sundance Channel (Canada), Movie Central, HBO Canada, Nelvana, Kids Can Press and radio stations including CKNW, CFOX, CKOI, 98,5 FM, Q107 and 102.1 the Edge. Corus creates engaging branded entertainment experiences for its audiences across multiple platforms. A publicly traded company, Corus is listed on the Toronto (CJR.B) and New York (CJR) exchanges. Experience Corus on the web at www.corusent.com.

About d-rights Inc.

d-rights Inc. is a 100% owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corporation, one of the world’s biggest general trading company, handling entertainment content for a variety of Media, offering services in every aspect of content business including production, rights management, financing and merchandising. Check our properties at http://www.d-rights.com.

About Hasbro

Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS) is a worldwide leader in children’s and family leisure time products and services with a rich portfolio of brands and entertainment properties that provides some of the highest quality and most recognizable play and recreational experiences in the world. As a brand-driven, consumer-focused global company, Hasbro brings to market a range of toys, games and licensed products, from traditional to high-tech and digital, under such powerful brand names as TRANSFORMERS, PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, CRANIUM and WIZARDS OF THE COAST. Come see how we inspire play through our brands at http://www.hasbro.com. © 2010 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.