Following the box office success of the Barbie movie, Mattel, the owner of the Barbie brand, is reportedly expanding its intellectual property with 14 new feature films. These projects are currently in various stages of production and include a surrealistic Barney movie, Lena Dunham’s take on Polly Pocket, a Hot Wheels film produced by J.J. Abrams, and more. Mattel executives are also interested in creating sequels to Greta Gerwig’s candy-coated film, although Gerwig herself is not currently considering a follow-up. With the impressive $337 million earned during its opening weekend, it’s not surprising that Warner Bros. and Mattel are hungry for more.
According to Variety, Robbie Brenner, the current head of Mattel Films, was hoping for the success of the Barbie movie so that they could explore potential sequels and new projects based on established intellectual property. This aligns with the 2018 plan of newly-appointed CEO Ynon Kreiz, who aimed to transform Mattel into a franchise composed of films, TV series, and theme parks, similar to Disney. The initial step towards this goal seems to have paid off, with the Barbie movie outselling Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, both released on the same day.
Earlier this month, reports confirmed that Oscar-winning actor Daniel Kaluuya will be producing and starring in an adult-oriented film based on Barney, the friendly purple dinosaur from the children’s TV show Barney & Friends. Mattel executives clarified that the film won’t be R-rated, but it will cater to adult tastes with a surrealistic approach reminiscent of films like Being John Malkovich and Adaptation. The producer, Robbie Brenner, explained that the movie will revolve around themes of identity and alienation.
Mattel also plans to turn the miniature-sized toy brand Polly Pocket into a movie. Lena Dunham will write and direct the film, with Lily Collins taking on the lead role. Although Polly Pocket doesn’t have the same level of brand recognition as Barbie, producer Robbie Brenner is optimistic, stating that a “great” script has already been submitted. Joining the lineup is J.J. Abrams, who will produce a Hot Wheels movie described as “grounded and gritty” with relatable, emotionally-driven characters. Warner Bros. will handle distribution, and Abrams’ signature lens flare will likely be present.
Vin Diesel, known for his starring role in the Fast & Furious franchise, will soon venture into the world of robots with a film adaptation of Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots, the tabletop boxing game from Mattel. Ryan Engle, best known for his work on Rampage, is writing the script. Meanwhile, Mattel seeks a new buyer for its long-awaited He-Man live-action adaptation, after Netflix recently canceled “Masters of the Universe.” The movie was originally set to be directed by Aaron and Adam Nee and feature Kyle Allen in the lead role, with potential to become a mega-franchise.
Tom Hanks is set to portray Major Matt Mason, the astronaut figurine from Mattel. Major Matt Mason was a character who lived and worked on the moon. The script for the film is being developed by Akiva Goldsman and Michael Chabon. However, due to the ongoing writers’ strike in Hollywood, production may be delayed. Additionally, Mattel plans to create a PG-13 thriller centered around the Magic 8 Ball, a popular fortune-telling toy from the 1950s. The company is also working on a movie based on the UNO card game, with Marcy Kelly writing the screenplay.
Mattel isn’t finished with dolls yet and intends to explore an American Girl movie for its expanding “Mattelverse.” The film is described as a family comedy aimed at helping young girls grow with confidence and develop character. Even the beloved Thomas & Friends franchise is getting its own fantasy film adaptation, directed by Marc Forster, who gained recognition for films such as World War Z and Finding Neverland. Among these projects is also a true story adaptation titled “Christmas Balloon.” The film follows a young girl who sends her Christmas present list up into the air with a balloon, only for it to be discovered by a grieving couple who work with Mattel to fulfill her wishes. The screenplay is being written by Gabby Lugo.
Here is the full list of movies planned by Mattel for the future. Keep in mind that production may be delayed due to ongoing actors’ and writers’ strikes in Hollywood.
Barney — Produced by and starring Daniel Kaluuya
Polly Pocket — Directed by Lena Dunham, starring Lily Collins
Hot Wheels — Produced by J.J. Abrams
Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots — Starring Vin Diesel
American Girl — A family comedy
Magic 8 Ball — A PG-13 thriller
Masters of the Universe — Previously canceled by Netflix
Major Matt Mason — From Akiva Goldsman and Michael Chabon, starring Tom Hanks
UNO — Written by Marcy Kelly
Wishbone — Produced by Peter Farrelly
Matchbox — Written by David Coggeshall
Thomas & Friends — Directed by Marc Forster
View Master — An adventure film based on the classic picture-viewing toy
Christmas Balloon — From Gabby Lugo; based on a true story
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