What’s Next for McFarlane Toys After Losing the DC License? | By: David Gibbens

McFarlane Toys’ run with the DC Multiverse line is coming to an end — but this isn’t the end of the road for Todd McFarlane’s iconic toy brand. In fact, it might be the start of something bigger.

For years, McFarlane Toys has been synonymous with the DC Multiverse line — pushing out dozens of highly detailed, affordable 7-inch action figures that covered everything from obscure comic arcs to blockbuster films. From the stunning “Three Jokers” wave to ambitious Build-A-Figure experiments like The Darkfather, the line earned a strong collector following and helped McFarlane stake a claim in mainstream retail toy aisles.

The End of an Era

News that McFarlane would be losing the DC license shook the toy community. Whether the decision was driven by Warner Bros.' licensing pivot, pressure from competitors, or just the end of a contract cycle, one thing is clear: the DC Multiverse line, as we know it, is winding down. Final waves are rolling out, and with them, likely the last chance for collectors to grab new releases from this era.

What It Means for Collectors

Expect prices to rise on key figures — especially ones tied to milestone stories or characters we’re unlikely to see again anytime soon. Completionists may be in scramble mode. And if you’ve been on the fence about certain waves, now might be your last chance to pick them up at retail price before the secondary market spikes.

Where Does McFarlane Go from Here?

This isn't the first time McFarlane has faced a shift — and if Todd's history shows anything, it’s that he thrives on reinvention. So what’s next?

• Spawn Universe Expansion: With his own IP at his fingertips, Todd could double down on Spawn and its growing roster. We’ve already seen early moves here — expect more waves, new characters, and maybe cross-media tie-ins.

• Indie Comics & Creator-Owned Partnerships: Imagine McFarlane handling The Walking Dead in a more expansive way, or forging new deals with creators from Image, BOOM!, or Dark Horse to bring beloved characters to life.

• Horror & Gaming: This could be McFarlane’s golden opportunity to dominate in horror and gaming figures. Think more Five Nights at Freddy’s, Mortal Kombat, Doom, and maybe even new cult horror licenses.

• Original IPs or Crossovers: With fewer constraints, we might see new McFarlane Originals — or perhaps a multiverse of his own, mashing up aesthetics from decades of work.

Final Thoughts

Losing a major license is tough, but it’s far from a death knell. McFarlane Toys has always been about bold, stylized figures with a deep respect for collectors. The DC chapter may be closing, but a new one is beginning — and we’re excited to see what Todd does next.