Activision appears to be preparing for a bigger future for Crash Bandicoot outside gaming, after officially filing a trademark covering motion pictures, television programs, animation, and streaming entertainment.
The trademark filing, registered under “CRASH BANDICOOT,” includes categories tied to pre-recorded television programs, downloadable animated content, film production, and entertainment services related to television series and movies. The filing was originally submitted in October 2025 and officially registered earlier this year, remaining active through 2035.
Strengthening One of Most Recognizable Franchises
The move has quickly reignited speculation surrounding the long-rumored Crash Bandicoot animated series reportedly in development at Netflix. Back in late 2025, reports suggested that Netflix and WildBrain Studios were working on an animated adaptation of the franchise, although no official confirmation followed.
While Activision has not announced any projects yet, be it a game or a visual experience, the trademark is a good indication of how they are exploring media expansion opportunities for the franchise as video game adaptations continue to grow across streaming and film platforms.
Created by Naughty Dog in the 1990s as one of the defining mascots of the original PlayStation era, Crash Bandicoot became known for its fast-paced platforming gameplay, colorful worlds, and memorable characters like Crash, Coco, Aku Aku, and Doctor Neo Cortex.
The franchise later expanded beyond Sony exclusivity and eventually came under Activision’s ownership. Following a quieter period in the early 2010s, the series saw a major revival through Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled, and Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time.
Activision also seems to be taking a much bigger transmedia approach lately. Reports earlier this year suggested that a Call of Duty movie is being planned for a theatrical release in June 2028, more toward building entertainment franchises across films, shows, merchandise, and other media.
That trend is now becoming common across the gaming industry. Companies like Square Enix are openly pushing transmedia expansion strategies, while studios such as Outfit7, SEGA, Rovio Entertainment, MOONTON Games, and SHIFT UP are actively expanding their IPs through collaborations, adaptations, merchandise, and entertainment partnerships.
Gaming franchises today are no longer limited to just games, and Crash Bandicoot could easily be the next major IP to make that jump into animation and streaming entertainment.
