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(NEXSTAR) – In 2023, the breakout star of Target’s Halloween lineup was Lewis, an 8-foot decoration with a jack-o’-lantern for a head, a ratty robe, and a slew of sassy catchphrases.
Now, Target is hoping to make superstars out of Lewis’ equally confounding friends.
Last week, Target unveiled several new Halloween decorations ahead of the upcoming spooky season, including a 65-inch version of Lewis (a hanging decoration known as “Little Lewis”) and two more talking pumpkin-headed characters with unexpected hobbies: “Pumpkin Rocker Billy,” a guitar-brandishing ghoul who promises to “make your bones chilly,” and “Pumpkin Iron Lewcy,” who holds a set of weights while barking out motivational encouragement for an imaginary fitness class.
“Bruce the Skeleton Ghoul” — with a skull atop his body instead of a pumpkin — is the outlier, though he may have the silliest pre-recorded messages of the group.
“My name is Bruce, and I’m about to cut loose, so baby, come and listen to me,” he sings over a funky beat.
The characters won’t be available for purchase in stores until late August, but they’re currently available to order on Target.com, the company confirmed.
“This is Target at its best, delivering surprise-and-delight moments and even more newness,” reads a statement included with a Target press release. “And Lewis & Friends are so excited to help consumers celebrate, they’re not waiting until October.”
Last year, the original Lewis went viral after he was featured in videos shared by dozens — if not hundreds — of TikTok users, many of whom made specific trips to Target to see him for themselves.
“I am not a jack-o’-lantern. My name is Lewis,” he said, much to the enjoyment of his fans. “I fear nothing night or day except a strong breeze to make me sway,” was another popular pre-programmed slogan that prompted Lewis to sell out online.
“Whoever came up with this idea needs a raise (as well as the voice actor) and I hope more of Lewis is coming because I can’t get enough,” one reviewer wrote in October 2023.
