Mattel has successfully made its mark in Hollywood after the massive success of its blockbuster film Barbie, which in its opening weekend brought in an impressive box-office take. In a new report, Variety, is reporting that following this news, Mattel plans to work on numerous toy-adaptation projects with A-list partners.
As of this writing, the company has 14 properties in active development, including popular children’s toys like Barney, Polly Pocket, Thomas and Friends, and American Girl. Regarding potential Barbie sequels, director Greta Gerwig remains focused on the success of the first movie. The film earned $380 million in its first five days, making the possibility of further movies likely.
“Barbie, as a brand, has many different iterations,” Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz said. “The product lines of Barbie is a very broad brand. In addition to the main Barbie figure, she has family, she has a lot of elements around in her universe. It’s a very rich universe… and a very elastic brand, in terms of opportunities.”
Robbie Brenner, the producer overseeing Mattel Films, said “Everybody hopes that when you create a movie that there is going to be a franchise. That’s the hope, that it goes on and on and it’s a gift that keeps giving. But, in this day and age, you just want to get the first one right.”
Variety further reports, via quotes from Brenner, on the other upcoming projects currently in the pipeline for development at Mattel:
- Barney will be turned into a live-action film with a “unique” approach, “more of like a Being John Malkovich or an Adaptation.”
- Polly Pocket will feature Emily In Paris star Lily Collins in a family comedy directed by Lena Dunham.
- Hot Wheels, produced by JJ Abrams, will adapt the top-selling toy into a “grounded and gritty” film, with “real characters that you can relate to, that are three-dimensional, that have emotional journeys.”
- Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots will star Vin Diesel.
- An American Girl family comedy, a Magic 8 Ball PG-13 thriller, and a Masters of the Universe action-adventure film are also in development.
- Additionally, Mattel aims to produce films based on Major Matt Mason, starring Tom Hanks, as well as adaptations of UNO, Wishbone, Matchbox, Thomas & Friends, and the classic toy View Master. Furthermore, they seek to create a family drama based on a true story involving a Christmas Balloon.
The products discussed here were independently chosen by our editors.
GameSpot may get a share of the revenue if you buy anything featured on our site.
