McDonald’s Unveils New Trading Card Game Featuring Ronald McDonald as the Star Card

When I got the heads-up about an announcement linking McDonald’s to a trading card game, I figured we were gearing up for the annual Pokémon frenzy where everyone rushes to grab Happy Meals for those coveted card packs. But surprise! These are actual McDonald’s trading cards, featuring a collection of 24 characters, including the iconic Ronald McDonald.

Set to launch in the UK on March 17, we’re digging into when the U.S. will get its turn. The cards showcase familiar faces like Grimace, along with some bizarre additions like “Cheeseburger Chair,” a sentient stool, and Fry Girl, which is literally a ball of fries with legs and eyes. It’s all delightfully strange. And yes, she’s wearing shoes. Why? This seems to tie back to a 1972 campaign featuring Fry Kids, originally dubbed “French Fry Gobblins,” who have made sporadic comebacks over the years.

Photos from the recent London Card Show reveal other oddities, like the non-sentient Multimixer, a milkshake dispenser, and an iconic Milkshape Dip card showing a fry being dunked into a milkshake. At least neither of them has eyes or any awareness of their impending consumption, but honestly, who’s going to be thrilled about pulling a card of a drink dispenser?

An intriguing “trailer” on Instagram teases a foil reverse card featuring the M logo with no other details. It claims to be “A new game from The M Universe,” which is news to me. We’re also promised a card showcasing a more sinister version of Ronald McDonald, described as “the return of Ronald McDonald.” I had no idea he was gone, but maybe this is some kind of release program? I can only imagine the card would cut off before revealing any ankle tags.

The anticipation is real, but the info hints that “the brand is keeping a few cards close to its chest, with plenty more to come. So, keep your eyes peeled…” That line feels oddly threatening.

If McDonald’s plays its cards right and treats this as a one-off, these collectibles could be worth a fortune in 20 years. The mechanics of the game are still under wraps, but I did catch the phrase “Take it or Flip it game,” complete with their unique capitalization. The UK will get the first taste next month, and we’ll keep you posted on when the U.S. can dive into the McD’s trading card game action.