Disney and ESPN to host Toy Story themed NFL game
Disney+ and ESPN+ have announced that they’ll be hosting a unique and innovative animated NFL game on October 1st. This one-of-a-kind event will feature beloved characters from the iconic Toy Story franchise, bringing a touch of magic and imagination to the football world.
This groundbreaking event aims to captivate both sports enthusiasts and animation lovers, combining the excitement of NFL gameplay with the charm and creativity of the ‘Toy Story’ universe. It is a testament to the enduring popularity of both franchises and the willingness of Disney, ESPN, and the NFL to push the boundaries of entertainment.
Furthermore, beloved “Toy Story” characters such as Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jesse, and Bo Peep will be on the sidelines, accompanied by child-friendly announcers explaining the game’s proceedings. The event will include a halftime performance featuring Duke Caboom, the motorcycle stuntman voiced by Keanu Reeves in “Toy Story 4,” and prerecorded interviews featuring actual Falcons and Jaguar players.
The fully animated content on mobile devices will depict the recreation of Wembley Stadium’s action in London. This world-renowned sports stadium hosts NFL International Series games, within Andy’s room. Through cutting-edge tracking technology enabled by the NFL’s Next Gen Stats player tracking data and Beyond Sports, fans will witness every run, pass, score, and all football-related actions.
“Toy Story Funday Football” represents the NFL’s latest effort to make American football more appealing to children. In 2021, the league broadcasted a child-friendly version of the NFL’s Wild Card matchup on Nickelodeon. Additionally, Roblox hosted a family-oriented virtual concert by Saweetie for last year’s Super Bowl pregame.
This recent collaboration with Disney+ is set to be a success for the NFL, given that “Toy Story” is one of the highest-grossing franchises that has captured the hearts of multiple generations.
