The toy car-based live-action film “Hot Wheels” is gathering momentum as JJ Abrams’ Bad Robot has come aboard the project to produce for Mattel Films and Warner Bros, the companies announced on Monday.
The movie “Hot Wheels” is an action film based on the 54-year-old toy brand’s franchise, and it will feature the hottest and sleekest cars, monster trucks and motorcycles in the world. Screenwriting duo Neil Widener and Gavin James have been attached to write the screenplay in 2020. Further details about the project are under wraps.
Robbie Brenner is executive producer for Mattel Films.
Kevin McKeon, Vice President and Andrew Scannell, Chief Creative Officer will lead the project for Mattel Films. Peter Dodd will direct the project for Warner Bros. Pictures. Hannah Minghella and Jon Cohen will oversee Bad Robot.
“As a global leader in automotive culture, Hot Wheels has ignited the spirit of challenger in automotive enthusiasts for generations,” said Robbie Brenner, Executive Producer, Mattel Films. “Fans of all ages are now ready for the ride of their lives with the incredible talent of JJ Abrams’ Bad Robot joining us alongside Warner Bros. Pictures to turn Hot Wheels’ legendary IP into an exciting story for the big screen.”
“Growing up, Hot Wheels were more than just cars, they were vehicles for our imaginations,” said Peter Dodd, vice president of production, Warner Bros. Pictures. “Today at Warner Bros., we’re thrilled to bring that imagination to the big screen with Robbie Brenner and the creative team at Mattel along with the ingenious minds of JJ Abrams, Hannah Minghella and the team at Bad Robot.”
“Before Hot Wheels became the global name it is today, it was the dream of Elliot Handler, who invented and built miniature cars at home in his Southern California garage. that imagination, that passion, and that risk-taking spirit that we want to capture in this movie,” said Hannah Minghella, President of Bad Robot at Motion Pictures.
Mattel Films and Warner Bros. Pictures are also partners on the upcoming “Barbie” film which is currently in principal photography and slated for release in 2023. The film stars Margot Robbie and is directed by Greta Gerwig, who also wrote the screenplay with Noah Baumbach.
In addition to “Hot Wheels”, Mattel Films’ development slate includes films based on American Girl, Barbie, Barney, Magic 8 Ball, Major Matt Mason, Masters of the Universe, Polly Pocket, Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots , Thomas & Friends, UNO, View Master and Wishbone. Mattel Films is also developing “Christmas Balloon”, based on brand new IP.
Bad Robot as part of its deal with Warner Bros. Discovery is working on a “Superman” movie written by Ta-Nehisi Coates, “Zatanna” written by Emerald Fennell, and the animated adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s iconic children’s book “Oh, The Places You.” ll Go” with Jon Chu attached to direct. Bad Robot is currently in post-production on the female thriller “Lou” starring Allison Janney and Jurnee Smollett for Netflix and is working with director Matt Shakman on a new “Star Trek” film for Paramount.
