The King of Pop will have a posthumous presence through phone apps and talking teddies if a merchandising deal is approved
Michael Jackson will live on in the form of cuddly toys and Xbox add-ons if a new merchandising deal goes through.
Less than two months after his death, Jackson estate administrators have submitted contracts to a probate judge that, if approved, would see the King of Pop's image used in a massive range of toys and trinkets.
Last year, $14m (£8.2m) of the $55m (£32.4m) generated by Elvis Presley's estate came from merchandise, and it is predicted that Jackson's likeness will generate even bigger business. To that end, Jackson's estate, concert promoter AEG Live and Bravado – Universal Music Group's retailing arm – are close to a deal that would see Bravado receive worldwide merchandise rights.
If successful, products ranging from trading cards, T-shirts, calendars and lighters to talking teddies could be on sale in stores before the end of the year. Jackson may even have a posthumous digital presence, with talk of phone apps, Xbox themes, video games and even digital tattoos for "avatars" in alternate reality games like Second Life.
Meanwhile, ticketholders for the O2 residency that never was could still be able to buy official concert T-shirts, with promoters AEG Live retaining rights to sell merchandise related to the cancelled shows. There is also a proposed feature-length movie based on rehearsal footage for Jackson's This Is It shows, with Columbia Pictures paying $60m (£35m) for the rights, according to the contract filed at the Los Angeles Superior Court.
A judge will hear the Jackson merchandise proposals on Monday.
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