These Innovative Location-Based Entertainment Partnerships Engage Fans Worldwide 

New York, NY – King Feature continues to bring its characters to new audiences through high-impact partnerships in location-based entertainment (LBE).

From immersive pop culture experiences at sea to high-energy activations at world-class sporting events, King Features’ beloved brands—including Popeye, Flash Gordon, and The Phantom—are engaging fans in bold new ways.

Popeye Leads King Features’ Global LBE Growth 

Popeye the Sailor Man is anchoring King Features’ LBE expansion with dynamic activations across multiple continents. In the Middle East, Popeye recently made his mark at the prestigious Formula 1 Grand Prix in Bahrain. Developed in partnership with Event Box and facilitated by King Features’ licensing agent in the region, WildBrain CPLG, this innovative activation featured a Popeye-branded kids’ activity zone within the larger F1 event. Debuted this April, the experience introduced Popeye to a new generation of fans by engaging young fans with interactive and nautical activities, games, crafts and more, blending Popeye’s adventurous, athletic spirit with the excitement of motorsports.

In Europe, Popeye and Olive Oyl have teamed up with Sport Lisboa e Benfica, Portugal’s premier football club, in a partnership that fuses timeless athleticism with contemporary sports culture. Brokered by King Features’ licensing agent in Spain, Caravanserai, the deal names Popeye and Olive Oyl as official ‘spokescharacters’ for Benfica Sports Enterprise, bringing exclusive character appearances to major sporting events. A co-branded apparel and accessories collection, launched in March 2025, is now available through Benfica Official Stores, online, and through global distribution. This collection reinforces both brands’ shared values of fitness, resilience, and sportsmanship.

Expanding Pop Culture Experiences with Flash Gordon, Popeye & The Phantom 

Building on its legacy in comics and entertainment, King Features delivered a fully immersive fan experience aboard the inaugural Comic-Con: The Cruise this past February. In collaboration with Entertainment Cruise Productions, the voyage brought King Features’ legendary properties—Popeye, Flash Gordon, and The Phantom— to life through themed lounges, cosplay contests, interactive games, and exclusive guest appearances, including star of the 1980 Flash Gordon film, Sam J. Jones.

Fans had the chance to engage with top comic artists and creators in exclusive signings, live drawing sessions, and panel discussions, while character-driven events—including themed film screenings under the stars—further deepened engagement. Following the cruise’s overwhelming success, Comic-Con: The Cruise – Vol. 2 is already in the works, setting sail January 30 – February 3, 2026.

Momentum and Future Growth in LBE 

This recent momentum builds on King Features’ longstanding tradition of engaging fans in real life, including a 25+ year partnership with Universal Studios Orlando featuring Popeye-themed rides and experiences in addition to Flash Gordon and The Phantom integrations in Toon Lagoon.

Debuting in 2026, King Features is partnering with Vibrant Studios, the company behind awe-inspiring interactive storytelling experiences based on some of the world’s most popular IP including “The Adventures of Tintin” and Dungeons & Dragons. The immersive global experience will be inspired by one of King Features’ iconic brands, with further details to be revealed in the coming months.

“We’ve seen incredible growth in the location-based entertainment space, with our brands continuing to resonate with fans across a variety of dynamic experiences,” said Carla Silva, SVP, GM, Global Head of Licensing at King Features. “Through strategic partnerships, we are bringing our beloved characters to life in new and exciting ways, engaging audiences across the globe and reinforcing the lasting appeal of our iconic properties.”

With a growing slate of immersive, high-profile activations, King Features is redefining how fans engage with its legendary characters—and this is just the beginning. Fans can expect more innovative location-based entertainment experiences featuring King Features’ beloved brands in the future.