Thomas & Friends unveils refreshed look and logo

Thomas & Friends unveiled a refreshed - and quite familiar - design and a new logo, kicking off a full-franchise relaunch that will roll out this fall.

It marks a return stylistically from more recent incarnations of the traditional British animation brand.

According to the company, this new update honors more than 80 years of storytelling and authentic train culture, blends heritage with a modern aesthetic and has ranked highest in testing with preschoolers and parents for appeal, personality and emotional connection.

Key design priorities included blending classic train culture with a warm, modern look; drawing on the franchise’s storytelling roots; refining contemporary details while preserving familiar features.

“Thomas has been a trusted companion for families for more than 80 years, and the new look reflects both where the brand comes from and where it’s headed on its next adventure,” said Ted Wu, senior vice president at Mattel.

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Wu added: “We returned to the elements that parents and kids love most while updating the design to feel relevant for today’s preschool audience. Authentic train details, timelessness and emotional storytelling form the foundation for the years ahead for Thomas & Friends.”

The company said the refresh features a new Thomas & Friends logo, new brand design elements and updated character designs rooted in their iconic heritage, and that additional announcements on live experiences, product, publishing and content will follow throughout 2026.

The Recap

• Mattel refreshed Thomas the Tank Engine design and new logo.
• Design honors more than 80 years of storytelling heritage.
• Full-franchise relaunch will roll out this fall with announcements throughout 2026.