10 upcoming films that are based on Mattel toys 🎞
We've even got some starring actors lined up!
You don't have to be a movie fanatic to know that the 2023 Barbie film has been a hit around the world. The live-action film, based on the classic Mattel toy, starred Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, and with a star-studded cast, it's fair to say the flick was a monumental success. But it appears we still have more Mattel magic to look forward to...
That's right, Barbie was just the beginning, with a line of Mattel toys queueing up to be made into move adaptations. With many still in the planning stages, others are already bagging their leading actors. Check out 10 upcoming films based on Mattel toys... Does the term Polly Pocket ring a bell?
Upcoming films that are based on Mattel toys:
Polly Pocket
Fresh from the success of the Barbie movie, there is another doll-inspired movie in the works! This time, it's Mattel's Polly Pocket. MGM are developing the film, with Emily In Paris star Lily Collins lined-up for the titular role. Not only that, but she will be producing the movie, collaborating with Lena Dunham's production company Good Thing Going.
Hot Wheels
Back in January 2019, it was announced that Mattel was joining forces with Warner Bros. to bring us a live-action Hot Wheels film. According to IMDb, the film based on the Number 1 selling line of toy racing cars is currently set for release in 2025, with McG and Juan Carlos Fresnadillo having been previously lined-up to direct the movie.
Magic 8 Ball
Changing it up a little, Mattel Films have a horror-comedy in the works inspired by the iconic Magic 8 Ball! If you cast your minds back, the nostalgic toy, which resembles an eight-ball used in pool billiards, was used for fortune-telling and seeking advice when shaken. With Cocaine Bear's Jimmy Warden penning the script, Mattel Films have stated that the film will not be rated over-18, staying: "Within the parameters of what Mattel is."
Barney
Similar to part of the concept of the Barbie movie, an upcoming Barney film which is in the works will lean into "millenial angst", according to Kevin McKeon - an executive at Mattel Films. The film will be "for adults", delving into the "trials and tribulations of being 30-something, growing up with Barney."
Uno
An action heist comedy is in the works, which will be heavily inspired by the Uno card game. Rapper Lil Yachty is developing the film with Mattel Films, with Marcy Kelly writing the screenplay. Lil Yachty is allegedly also in the front-running to take on the lead role in the film, which will be set in the underground hip hop world of Atlanta.
Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots
Another exciting one for the nostalgics is an upcoming movie based on the Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots! With the toy dating back to the early '60s, it's hard to not recognise the iconic blue and red robots in their fighting ring. The film was first announced in 2021, with Mattel Films and Universal developing the work with Vin Diesel's production company One Race Films. Along with Ryan Engle working on the script, Vin is apparently set to star in the movie, playing the role of a father and son who form "an unlikely bond with an advanced war machine."
On the exciting project, Vin Diesel said: "To take the classic Rock 'Em Sock 'Em game, with Mattel as my partner, and align it with the kind of world building, franchise making success we have had with Universal, is truly exciting."
Matchbox
Although it's not yet clear how this upcoming project will differ from the Hot Wheels movie, there is in fact a Matchbox-inspired film in the works too! Alongside Skydance Media, Mattel Films are developing a live-action Matchbox film, announcing the project back in 2022.
Executive Producer of Mattel Films, Robbie Brenner, said of the upcoming film: "For nearly 70 years, Matchbox has carried enormous cultural relevance and inspired generations of kids to unleash their imaginations, combining what they see in the world every day with what they dream their own world to be," continuing: "We look forward to working with our incredible partners at Skydance Media to craft a story for the big screen that evokes the same, imaginative spirit of this beloved Mattel franchise and delights fans of all ages."
Thomas & Friends
With a healthy mix of CGI magic, children's train franchise Thomas & Friends will be getting a live-action film! Mattel Films are teaming up with production company 2Dux to create the feature film, which was first announced back in 2020. Marc Forster will co-produce, with Mattel Films chief Robbie Brenner saying: "Thomas is a beloved global franchise that focuses on the importance of friendship, a theme that resonates deeply with children and parents around the world," adding: "Marc is an incredible storyteller and I look forward to partnering with him to tell Thomas' story in a modern and unexpected way."
The film will blend live-action and animation, for a a four-quadrant family adventure.
American Girl
Another film in the American Girl series is in the works, with more than 10 films based on the characters of American Girl having already been made. In 2015, 'Drivers Licence' singer Olivia Rodrigo starred in An American Girl: Grace Stirs Up Success, with the latest release to hit the cinemas being 2008's Kit Kittredge: An American Girl. Mattel Films now have another in the works, partnering with MGM to produce.
Major Matt Mason
First announced back in 2019, the loveable astronaut toy Major Matt Mason will be getting an on-screen film adaptation. Following the success of the Barbie movie, the film has now been propelled, and reportedly is set to star none other than Tom Hanks. Although a production timeline has not been established just yet, the feature film will revolve around an astronaut who lives and works on the Moon.
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