In an exciting development for toy enthusiasts and fans of the Jurassic World franchise, Wow! Stuff is set to launch the Dolores Deluxe Puppetronic. Inspired by the dinosaur character from Jurassic World Rebirth, this innovative toy marks a significant departure from previous Jurassic-themed products. Dr. Jim Wyatt, Chief Innovation Officer at Wow! Stuff, and Teddy Edwards, Head of Design, shared insights into what makes Dolores a standout in the realm of interactive toys.
The Dolores Deluxe Puppetronic is designed to sit on the user’s shoulder, offering a unique interactive experience. Unlike traditional puppets, Dolores uses a concealed wire mechanism that allows for lifelike movements, controlled by a handset hidden by the user’s side. This setup creates the illusion of a living creature, enhancing the user’s interaction with others.
Innovative Design and Functionality
Dr. Wyatt explained that the Dolores Puppetronic builds on Wow! Stuff’s successful history of puppet mechanisms, which began with the Harry Potter Hedwig. “With Dolores, instead of holding it in your hands, it’s designed to be sitting up on your shoulder,” Wyatt noted. This design choice allows users to engage with the toy in a manner that mimics the character’s interactions in the movie, particularly its attachment to Isabella.
Teddy Edwards highlighted a key difference in Dolores compared to previous products. “We’ve moved away from totally disguising it as a puppet,” he said. “You could put it on a table, or wherever you want to put it.” This flexibility in placement adds to the toy’s appeal, making it versatile in its use.
Creating a Nurturing Character
Unlike previous Jurassic-themed toys that emphasized predatory behavior, Dolores is designed to foster a nurturing relationship. “The sounds play a huge role in how we create that nurturing piece,” Edwards explained. The toy is equipped with touch sensors that enable softer interactions, aligning with the character’s portrayal in the film.
Dr. Wyatt emphasized the importance of capturing the character’s essence. “With all the Puppetronics, it’s about understanding what the character is. Is it adorable? Is it scary? Is it mischievous?” he said. This understanding is crucial in making the puppet an extension of the character, with users in control of its actions.
Collaborative Efforts and Technical Challenges
Wow! Stuff’s collaboration with filmmakers and studios like Universal and Disney has been instrumental in the development of their Puppetronics line. “We had constant access to the development of that character,” Wyatt shared, highlighting the importance of early input from brand owners. This collaboration ensures the products remain true to the characters they represent.
One of the technical challenges faced in creating Dolores was ensuring it remained stable on the user’s shoulder. “If a plastic toy falls off and hits the deck from shoulder height, it could be a goner!” Edwards remarked. The solution involved using magnets under a shoulder strap to secure the toy, along with a supporting cable.
The Future of Puppetronics
Looking ahead, Wow! Stuff is exploring new possibilities for their Puppetronics line. “We want to make this an accessible line of products and broaden out the Puppetronics brand,” Wyatt revealed. This includes exploring different price points to make the products more accessible to a wider audience.
Edwards added that innovation is not just about incorporating new technology but also about identifying unique character traits. “It’s about finding what’s unique with the character, and where the wow lies,” he said, citing the example of the Toothless Puppetronic with its ‘fire breathing’ smoke feature.
As Wow! Stuff prepares for the launch of Dolores Deluxe Puppetronic, the company continues to push the boundaries of what interactive toys can achieve. With a focus on storytelling and character creation, the future of Puppetronics promises to be as dynamic and engaging as the characters they bring to life.
