For the past few months, it feels like all anyone can talk about is the new Barbie movie. And though the expectations were ultra-high for the long-awaited movie, fans and critics alike have declared the hype, and the several pink outfits, were totally worth it.
And, with the success of the Greta Gerwig-directed movie, which grossed more than $200 million at the domestic box office in its first five days in theaters, per Forbes, Mattel has announced a whopping 14 more projects based on their iconic toys and shows. That’s right, 14!
Talking to Variety on July 16, Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz and Mattel Films director Robbie Brenner dished on all the exciting projects the company has to come. “Successful movies lend themselves to more movies,” Kreiz told the outlet, nodding to all their in-the-works projects and the possibility of a Barbie sequel. “Our ambition is to create film franchises.”
Among the toys currently inspiring movies are Polly Pocket, which will be directed by Lena Dunham and starred by Lily Collins, the Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots, starring Vin Diesel and the Major Matt Mason action figure, which will star Hollywood icon, Tom Hanks.
Take a look at the upcoming Mattel cinematic universe below!
Polly Pocket
Lily Collins is set to star and Lena Dunham is set to direct the upcoming Polly Pocket-inspired family comedy movie. “First of all, they are two of my favorite ladies ever,” Mattel Films director Robbie Brenner told Variety. “It’s been an amazing collaboration. Lena is so collaborative and rolls up her sleeves and really likes to roll around in notes and listen. She’s incredible. Lily is so smart and so specific and so productorial. It’s just been an incredible collaboration, so we are thrilled about it. Hopefully, we’ll be making that at some point in the future.”
Barney
Get Out star Daniel Kaluuya is lined up to produce the live-action film based on Barney. Previously described as an “A24-type” of “surrealistic” movie, it will be a more “adult” movie about “identity and finding who you love and who feels alienated.” “I don’t know that it’s necessarily going to be darker,” Brenner told the outlet. “It’s just going to be unique — more of like a Being John Malkovich or an Adaptation.”
Hot Wheels
Produced by J.J. Abrams, the upcoming Hot Wheels-inspired movie is described by the Star Wars director as “grounded and gritty.” “Look at any J.J. Abrams movie,” Brenner said. “All of his movies have an incredible story and incredible characters. That was something that was important to him — to make a movie that’s not just going to be fun and exciting, but that has real emotion and real stakes to it.”
Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots
Fast & Furious star Vin Diesel has already been cast in the movie based on Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots, Mattel’s tabletop game of battling robots. “Vin is excited,” Brenner added. “We’re working on developing a script and we’re all very excited about it.”
American Girl
The American Girl dolls, who also have different renditions and backstories like Barbie, are also inspiring a movie. Per Brenner, the movie will “help girls grow with confidence and develop character.” “We have something great in the works,” she added.
Magic 8 Ball
Though little is known about the movie based on the Magic 8 Ball, Brenner said it’ll “probably be a PG-13 thriller.”
Masters of the Universe
Previously linked to actor Kyle Allen and director duo the Nee brothers, Mattel has been working on bringing the Masters of the Universe franchise into an action-adventure movie for quite a while. Earlier this month, however, Netflix dropped the project and Mattel is now looking for other buyers.
Major Matt Mason
With Tom Hanks signed as the lead, we already know this movie based on Major Matt Mason will be a hit. Per Variety, the actor will star as the Mattel astronaut action figure from the 1960s who lives and works on the moon.
UNO
Though no details were revealed, the classic UNO playing cards will also inspire a movie.
Wishbone
Produced by Dumb & Dumber filmmaker Peter Farrelly, the Jack Russell terrier who became famous in the ’90s in the series Wishbone will get his very own family-friendly adventure comedy.
Matchbox
No details have been revealed about the movie based on the iconic Matchbox cars.
‘Thomas & Friends’
A film based on Thomas & Friends, which has World War Z director Marc Forster in the driving seat, will be a fantasy film.
View-Master
An adventure film will be based on the “3-D Viewer” toy View-Master.
Christmas Balloon
Lastly, Mattel is also working on a family drama not based on a toy but on a story about the company instead. Per Variety, the film will be based on the time Mattel donated toys to help make a young girl’s dream come true after she tied her Christmas list to a balloon that was found by a couple who worked with the toy company to fulfill the girl’s wishes. How sweet!
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