THOMAS & FRIENDS UNVEILS REFRESHED LOOK AND LOGO,
FULL STEAM AHEAD INTO THE NEXT ERA OF A BELOVED GLOBAL BRAND
The Iconic Preschool Franchise Returns to Its Roots, Reimagined for Today’s Families
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., January 27, 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.
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:
- Lasting Legacy - Blends classic train culture with a warm, modern look, reinforcing the emotional connection families have had with Thomas for decades.
- Relatable Storytelling - Draws inspiration from the franchise’s storytelling roots and timeless train traditions.
- Modernization - Offers refined, contemporary details that maintain familiar and recognizable features.
- Heart - Emphasizes warmth, authenticity and dependability for today’s families.
“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.
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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
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New York Toy Fair 2026 Update:
Mattel has updated Thomas & Friends’ look, which can be seen in its first Easy Connect track system, which eliminates common pain points of traditional train play with snap-easy connections, wider rails, auto-rerail technology, and dramatically faster build times. Designed for both die-cast and motorized engines, featuring magnetic couplers, the system creates a seamless, expandable world of Sodor. Easy Connect empowers kids to build independently, stay immersed in play, and bring their favorite stories to life beyond the screen.
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| Thomas & Friends Basic Die-cast Assortment | Mattel |
Paramount+ is HERE! Stream a Mountain of Entertainment, including your Nickelodeon favorites! Try it at ParamountPlus.com!
Originally published: January 28, 2026.
