Post SDCC 2019 Instagram Q&A with Steve from Mattel

Here's a transcript of Action Figure Attack's recent Q&A with his followers over on his Instagram Stories.

Any update on Hogan figures?

AFA: He's still not available to us. In the meantime, Storm_collectibles is doing some killer Hogan figs available through @ringsidec

Your fav non-mattel reveal?

AFA: While not actually revealed, I'm very excited ThunderCats was heavily hinted at by our good friends at @super7

new Pete Dunne a main line elite or another chase?

AFA: The new @petedunneyxb will be a mainline release in early 2020

Do you know if Johnny gargano elite 70 will have fixed kickpads?

AFA: The @thejohnnygargano figure show is final product. Note taken on the kickpads for future Johnny figures.

Can we get Virgil figures?

AFA: We did release a Virgil fig a few years ago. Would love to get a wrestling gear Virgil in the line if the stars were to align.

Will most Elite figures include 3 sets of interchangeable hands?

AFA: The amount of extra hands will vary by Superstar and depends on extra hands that make sense, deco and other accessories included.

what serie alicia fox elite

AFA: @thefoxxyone is in the Survivor Series Elite wave hitting Walmart later this year.

Have you talked to stores about the lack of figures on the shelves?

AFA: Planogram resets are about to happen and new product is already trickling in and being found. This is a normal process that regularly happens. You'll have plenty of new figs to choose from shortly.

Is Liv Morgan gonna hit stores in the next couple months?

AFA: She should be hitting stores very very soon

Will the slimjim macho be released in target like past sdcc Exclusive

AFA: We partnered with our good friend at @entearth to bring Slim Jim Macho Man to those unable to attend SDCC. Both EE and Mattel have competly sold out of this figure.

If you had his licences would you guys make an updated Ambrose, same for Jericho?

AFA: If they were under WWE deals...of course!

Undertaker WM 14?

AFA: There's no reason why this couldn't happen one day

Why no Jeff Jarrett?

AFA: We don't have figure rights to Jeff. Hopefully that changes one day. I'd personally love to get several different figs of him.

Any idea on what elite set will feature 2020 packaging?

AFA: Elite 72

Chyna Fig???

AFA: We were able to reveal tons of exciting new figs at SDCC but nothing made me happier than getting to announce Chyna's addition to the line. Expect her 1st of many figs to hit midway through 2020.

With Christian including the goblet, Mattel is still unable to produce figures of Gangrel?

AFA: Saldy, we don't have the figure rights for @gangreldavidheath. Would be a sick addition to the line though.

- why aren't the store exclusives eg dunne/Patterson more available in the UK?

AFA: We do make these exclusive figures available to international retailers. At the end of the day it's up to each individual business to decide what exactly they
want to carry.

Will Monsoon and Blassie be retail exclusives?

AFA: Gorilla Monsoon and Classie Freddie Blassie will be Walmart exclusives in the US. International retailers TBD.

Will you stop!

AFA: I don't think you really want that.

Is the Naomi figure in limbo or will it still make it to Walgreens?

AFA: This fig won't be hitting Walgreens anymore sadly but we're looking for a new home for her. Stand by.

Will the blue Roddy [Roderick Strong] be released?

AFA: Hopefully down the road. We have a pretty Good track record of rescuing "lost" figures.

Any plans on more Christian and Jeff Hardy elites?

AFA: Of course!

ETA on the ultimate edition HBK?

AFA: Early 2020

What are the chances for ECW elites like Dreamer, Taz, Sabu, RVD, Raven, Sandman EtC

AFA: If they become available for us to use, of course we'd love to get them in the line.

Is the North American Title coming With Cole the Final Product?

AFA: There will be running change to a more maroon color

When are we getting a new Enzo and Cass elite two pack?

AFA: Dropping February 31st at KB Toys

Are you surprised about how many people are bummed about Retros?

AFA: Not at all. I love the Retro line but a real pause and reboot is needed to course correct and make things work in a way that makes sense for the realities of this line. Trust me, the hiatus was the right decision.

Whats your favorite part of designing the WWE Mattel action figures?

AFA: Representing us, the collector community on the inside as well as getting to give back to the Legends and current Superstars.

Any possibility to have a new Lana figure with wrestling attire?

AFA: Of course there's a chance. Lana is the best! Lana number 1!

Will any of the other future Chyna figs come with a bazooka?

AFA: It would make sense, right?!?!

Are Hurricane and Lince Dorado main line or exclusive?

AFA: Stand back!!!! They are both mainline Elite figs!

Will Flashback Harley Race ever show up again?

AFA: There's a decent chance we can get him out again. No promises but we're working on it.

Will the basic R Truth and Carmella be a battle pack or separate figures?

AFA: These will be separate figs in the Basic line

Any chance of MOTU retro-style figs without the added articulation popping up?

AFA: All Mattel MOTU Origins and Masters of the WWE Universe figs will sport the modern articulation for at least the foreseeable future. @super7 does have quite a few new MOTU figs available with the classic articulation though.

Are we getting elite 2-packs, seen with Samoa Joe and Rey Mysterio?

AFA: Why yes, yes we are getting Elite 2-packs

Where's WALTER?!

AFA: Somewhere in Austria I'm assuming

Will we see a WM 35 Batista in the near future?

AFA: Yes

Any chance of the nxt billie and paige making it into the basic line?

AFA: "Nothing to announce at this time..." - Action Figure Attack Lol...but seriously, time will tell. We try to rescue all lost figures and get them to you.

Anymore DDP, Scott Hall or Jake Roberts?

AFA: I may be a little biased but I'd say it's safe to say yes. [shows picture of himself with DDP]

Any chance we'd ever get a Chyna figure?

AFA: The first of many is coming in 2020!

What's the current status on the Paul Ellering figure?

AFA: The Paul Ellering fig is stuck in parts unknown. Hopefully he can be rescued from action figure purgatory in the future.

Is this the best year for the product, or what? Thanks for the great work!!!!

AFA: Appreciate that man! I'm hoping we keep this momentum going.

Is the old elite Natalya elite cancelled or still coming out??!!

AFA: The Walgreens Nattie had to be canceled sadly but we gave her a major upgrade and she'll now be a mainline Elite! She'll feature awesome entrance gear, swappable hands and the new updated female articulation!

When are we gonna see a Bianca [Belair] And will she have "real" hair

AFA: Chances are good for a fig but not with "real hair"

Is the Buddy Murphy Elite a Main line store exclusive? Like how Backland and Dunne were.

AFA: Buddy will be a mainline Elite

Any plans for more vehicles/entrance stages/playsets???

AFA: Yeah, of course!

No question, loved seeing you my dude and the WWE panel!

AFA: You too buddy! SDCC is like a toy community family reunion.

Are Mike and Maria in the works?

AFA: Would love to include them in the line. Just a matter of the stars aligning.

Any chance of a dream team era Brutus beefcake now that Greg valentine is signed?

AFA: Not planned but no reason it'd be off the table for future consideration.

Could we please have more women figures?

AFA: Well I mean... [shows SDCC slide reveals of 10 women figures]

Will the next top talent elites be the same 4 superstars?

AFA: The lineups may slightly change over time to keep up with current content but Top Picks will always consist of those core Superstars that kids and new collectors would need if diving into the line for the first time.

Eddie Guerrero Ultimates in the future?

AFA: I personally would love to see this happen. Time will tell. #VivaLaRaza!

The new Mandy Rose figure will have the same big head that the first one have? Please no!!

AFA: New head sculpt. Looks good to me. What do you think? [shows SDCC slide reveal]

What line is the new Wcw crow sting in and what accessories will he come with?

AFA: It's a secret. You'll see soon enough.

Will we get multiple heads in the elite line? Like Marvel Legends?

AFA: Yes! We're already doing it! You'll continue to see it when it makes sense.

What is the usual turn around time for when a superstar gets new tattoos, like Kevin Owens?

AFA: It depends. It can be a few months if the talent is already scheduled in a lineup. 8 months to a year or longer to plug them in if it makes sense timing wise to include them again.

Who's a ruthless aggression talent you'd love to make that you can't?

AFA: @stacykeibler

Will the ultimate edition line always be Past Star and Current Star?

AFA: That's the game plan but we can deviate if necessary on a case by case basis.

What's your favorite figure that was revealed?

AFA: Oh man...how can I choose just one? Really happy we offered a Great variety of reveals that appealed to all segments of WWE fig collectors. Also very happy these long requested Superstars can be checked off the to-do wish list. [shows SDCC slide reveals for Chyna, Danny Davis, The Hurricane, and Greg "The Hammer" Valentine]

Will Kassius Ohno be easier to find then Dunne or Wolfe?

AFA: I'd like to think yes with @kassius.ohno already schedule to be available at Target in the US as well as TRU Canada.

How do u feel knowing everyone anticipated a NWO Hogan reveal and instead Storm busted out excl

AFA: It's just not in the cards at the moment. I am happy those that want @hulkhogan figs can still get new ones from @ringsidec though. They look incredible. I'm a big fan of Storm_collectibles.

Is there any chance that Braun Strowman will be switched out of the TT Line, Due to lack of attires?

AFA: I'm sure we can find some new looks for Braun. Aside from that, the purpose of the Top Picks line is to ensure those kid friendly talent are always present on shelf.

Will Aleister Black get another figure?

AFA: It's safe to say we haven't seen the last fig of him

Will the WWE motu figure eventually come with titles

AFA: I actually conceptualized a title for Series 1 which we unfortunately had to cut. Maybe we'll see it or a different Masters Title down the road. [shows pic of Wingled Eagle replica belt - probably unrelated]

Is The Fiend in the works yet?

AFA: He's the epitome of toyetic

Any chance of ever getting a Haku figure?

AFA: I'd love to get Haku into the line. He'd need a Legends deal though to make it a possibility.

Any chance we'll get an R-Truth elite with the 24/7 Championship

AFA: There's a chance [shows SDCC slide reveal of 24/7 title belt]

Possible to get rock n roll Express?

AFA: If they became available to us we'd try to figure out a way to make it happen.

Will the "Collector's Edition" Store Exclusives continue throughout Elite Series 72?

AFA: Yes, they'll continue throughout 2020

Last on my wish list is more [NXT] UK. Will u get a chance to do scans or is there no market yet?

AFA: If talent are under deals that allow figs, we'll absolutely explore including them. If scans aren't possible due to logistics, we can always sculpt.

Which is your Favorite Elite released so far From this year ?

AFA: That's tough. There's so many that I loved adding to my collection this year. King Mabel, Ricochet, Ali and more. If I had to choose, it'd be Sherri. I've literally wanted this version of her as a figure since I was a kid.

ARE YOU A. ZACK RYDER FAN

AFA: Yeah! I love broski!

Any chance of a Firefly Funhouse with the puppets?

AFA: The funhouse itself could be tough to make happen but the puppets are probably doable.

Please can you ensure the tux jacket for Gorilla is the two button jacket as shown?

AFA: Gorilla should be coming as seen here. Definitely an upgrade over what would have come in the 2-pack.

Will the new batista be an exclusive or main line

AFA: Batista will be a mainline Elite release

Will there be a modern day referee build a figure in the future?

AFA: It's a goal of mine to get a modern ref into the line. It's a tough challenge for a variety of reasons but I'll keep trying.

Will battle packs come with accessories again?

AFA: Yes they will! [shows SDCC slide reveal of Basic Big E & Xavier Woods with plates of pancakes for accessories]

Is Alisha fox can make it into an elite lineup any chance we can please get Wendi richter.

AFA: Oh yeah, there's definitely a chance.

Any plans for more flashbacks of the Hardy's? Perhaps a body paint jeff?

AFA: Yeah! Infinite possibilities for the Hardys.

Are Ultimates hitting retail?

AFA: Yup! They're being found at Target right now!

Is it safe to say that Hideo Itami Elite will never hit shelves? It was perfect

AFA: Unless he returns to the company, this fig won't ever get produced :/

How does it feel to become a celebrity?

AFA: Well I'm no celebrity. I'm one of you guys who happens to be lucky enough to work in this industry I love on a brand that means everything to me.

Any new ember moon digs coming

AFA: Nothing really to announce but it'd sure be cool to get an Ember fig with the new articulation.

Also, thanks for the new Elite 71 Nikki Bella with updated look! Waited for years for this!!

AFA: Glad you like it!

Can we get doink the clowns side kick dink?

AFA: No legends deal in place, no Dink.

Any future surfer strings planned?

AFA: Not currently but it's safe to say as long as we have access to use Sting, we'll make more figs.

Mattel is lucky to have your dedication and passion.

AFA: You're too kind my friend. I'm grateful to be here.

Will we ever get those amazing 12" She-Ra dolls from Power Con 2018?

AFA: I sure hope so! They're too rad not to get made.

Will we ever see a nakamura in red pants?

AFA: [shows image of Magic 8-Ball with "Signs point to yes."]

Any Future Eddie Guerrero Elites?

AFA: We talk about Eddie all the time. We love him. It's probably only a matter of time.

Is it too late to fix the wrist tape on the Elite Murphy figure?

AFA: I'll see what can be done.

What figure was the most challenging to produce in terms of acquiring rights to make?

AFA: During my time, probably these two. Chyna because it just seemed impossible at certain points. An actual referee figure because ref's typically don't have merch deals...but Dangerous Danny Davis was a wrestler!!

Loving the WWE/MOTU cross over any idea when these will be out ?

AFA: Glad you like them! Expect the ring with Cena and Tripe H to hit towards the end of this year followed by the first series of figs shortly after.

Why don't WWE figures have nipples?

AFA: I actually do know why! Maybe I'll tell that story sometime didn't [down] the road. Lol!

You gonna be at Power-Con?

AFA: We will be at @thepowercon supporting Masters of the WWE Universe, MOTU Origins and She-Ra. I'll be there both days.

Is Gorilla coming with two torsos? Render shows a different shirt and tie torso.

AFA: Gorilla will be similar to the Flashback Mean Gene

Favorite current wrestler?

AFA: I love everything @wwemaverick and @ronkillings1 are currently doing with the 24/7 Title. So entertaining.

Are the Viking Raiders in the works?

AFA: Huss! Huss! [shows MIB pic of Elite Series 51 Berzerker figure]

Are Heavy Machinery in the works?

AFA: They'd certainly make fun figs

any plans for a elite toni storm or rhea ripley?

AFA: Figs of them would be sick! #WWEEliteSquad member yesreallyrob is a big fan of their's as well. While there's really nothing [to] announce, I'd personally love to add them to my collection.

Gorgeous Ladies Of Wrestling??

AFA: OMG...I wish

If you could would you make a Mantaur figure

AFA: 100% yes I would! Lol!

Local question: Is Mattel aware of how hard it is to find Walmart exclusives in Los Angeles?

AFA: The team is aware. I am aware. I live in the LA area and toy hunt every chance I get. While we can't dictate which specific stores Walmart decides to stock their product at since we sell to them and they distribute to their locations, we are actively working on ways to improve availability of these figs for you guys. Not an easy fix but give us some more time.

Why is there still only one body mold for the women other than Nia?

AFA: There's actually quite a few and even more variety on the way. Take a closer look. [shows pic of Elite Series 34 Paige figure]

Hi do you have rights to make Orient Express figures? Tanaka, Sato, Kato

AFA: We do not.

What's the likelihood of getting more past female talent? (Luna Vachon, Ivory, Jacqueline?)

AFA: We'll do everything we can to get as many Legends out as possible. It all comes down to them being signed to Legends deals and that process is constantly in motion.

Any chance of getting figures of the Headshrinkers?

AFA: Not currently possible. But man, I'd love modern figs of them.

Any update on Hercules since his estate wants to sign a legends deal with WWE?

AFA: No update. I'd buy a Herc fig though.

how come you guys have been pushing out the strowman figs that look so similar?

AFA: They sell great and his look hadn't changed much. But his look has slightly changed now...

When a new character like the Fiend debuts, does WWE give you a heads up on new look?

AFA: Sometimes. Case by case basis. We watched as fans along with all of you as this character developed.

Please make, to scale, LJN style figures! What was your fav WWF LJN?

AFA: Might be tough due to the weight but not impossible. I loved the second LJN Hogan. White shirt and red trunks.

Why wasn't there a Elite R-Truth At SDCC

AFA: We showed his new Basic fig

Has the closing of toys r us effected u guys? Where are [the] majority of your figuresow sold

AFA: Of course. We had so much dedicated space at TRU. It made a lot more unique items possible. Walmart, Target, Amazon, Ringside and others are all huge supporters of the line.

Will there be a WWE Attitude era championship role playing belt anytime soon?

AFA: It is an iconic title. Maybe one day.

Any First time in the line flashbacks planned that you haven't showed yet?

AFA: Yes

Now that theres a new shawn Michaels headscan will new elites be following the basic 100 figure

AFA: Yes, more HBK figs will come

So, where/when will we be able to get that New Asuka fig aka Skeletor's future bride?

AFA: Asuka is in the Network Spotlight series hitting Target very very soon.

Will there be a wrestlania becky with the two belts?

AFA: [Shows pic of the SDCC reveal slide with two belts, hinting at the upcoming Ultimate Edition Becky Lynch figure]

What's the store exclusive in elite 72?

AFA: Classy Freddie Blassie "You pencil neck geeks!"

Will there be any more elite Zack and curt this or 2020 with Zack having a chase

AFA: I'm sure we'll see them in the line again at some point. As far as chase versions...maybe, maybe not.

AFA: Thanks for much for all of the questions! So sorry if I didn't get to your's but there are literally hundreds. Hopefully many were answered through someone else's question. We'll do this again soon. #WWEEliteSquad