Mattel and Warner Bros. Team Up for ‘Hot Wheels’
Mattel’s attempts to bring their classic toy lines to the big screen are finally bearing fruit. Variety have confirmed that Warner Bros. and Mattel are teaming up for a live action Hot Wheels movie, based on the famous toy brand of model cars.
The Hot Wheels franchise’s road to the big screen began back in 2003, with McG set to direct the film for Columbia Pictures. Numerous studios, directors, and production companies followed, but the project seemed unable to gain any traction and the movie rights ultimately reverted back to Mattel.
The new deal is Mattel’s second with Warner Bros., following their partnership on Barbie, another project which had been stuck in development hell at Columbia Pictures. In a statement announcing the new movie, Mattel’s Chairman and CEO Ynon Kreiz said, “We are excited to bring the thrill of a Hot Wheels live-action feature film to the big screen in partnership with Warner Bros. Pictures. Mattel Films has great momentum as it continues to execute on our commitment to bring global audiences new ways to experience the brands they love as we transform Mattel into an IP-driven, high-performing toy company.”
Warner Bros.’ Toby Emmerich released a similar statement, saying “Hot Wheels has been inspiring the imagination of kids around the world for over 50 years. We couldn’t be more excited to bring the adrenaline, adventure, and excitement of Hot Wheels to the big screen.”
Aside from Hot Wheels and Barbie, Mattel Films are developing movies based on their Masters of the Universe and The Beastlies toy lines. The former is in development at Sony Pictures, while the latter has Bad Robot attached to it without a specific distributor.
Hot Wheels has been the leading die-cast toy car brand since it’s inception in 1968. Warner Bros. and Mattel have not yet announced a director or release window for the project.
Chris is a lifelong fan of Disney, Star Wars and super heroes who can’t quite believe this golden age of movies and TV we’re living in. Having written blogs dedicated to Disney’s Aladdin musical and Star Wars Celebration, Chris is excited to be part of the MNN team.
