The live-actionHot Wheelsfeature film based on Mattel’s timeless toy car is revving up, as the highly anticipated project has now found a director to put in the driver’s seat.Jon M. Chu, the acclaimed filmmaker behind last year’sgravity-defying adaptation ofWickedand its upcoming sequelWicked: For Good, has reportedly inked a deal to helm the high-octane action movie for Warner Bros., which is expected to showcase some of the world’s hottest and sleekest vehicles. It seems that it’s on the right track, now that it has secured its creative lead.
Chu is set to direct theHot Wheelsfilm from a script penned by Juel Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier, who previously partnered onCreed IIas well asThey Cloned Tyrone,while J.J. Abrams' Bad Robot and Chu’s Electric Somewhere are on board to produce. Mattel Studios president and chief content officer Robbie Brenner, who is one of several producers on the toy-inspired project, described the team as being “uniquely positioned to capture the heart, adrenaline, and spirit of Hot Wheels, a leading brand in car culture.” She added:
Every Upcoming Movie Based on Mattel Toys to Keep on Your Radar
Barbie isn’t the only Mattel toy getting the feature film treatment. Here’s every upcoming movie based on Mattel toys to keep on your radar.
“Jon’s ability to craft rich, elaborate worlds with a distinct point of view makes him the ideal storyteller to bring Hot Wheels to life. His films are visual spectacles—true eye candy—but what sets them apart is how he weaves unforgettable narratives within those stunning frames.”
In addition to his two-partWickedmusical extravaganza led by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, the “visual spectacles” that Chu has ushered to the big screen include the acclaimed film version ofIn the Heightsand blockbuster rom-comCrazy Rich Asians— which is gettinga sequel and a spin-off series. Chu is also directing an animated feature-length adaptation of Dr. Seuss' iconicOh, the Places You’ll Go!for Warner Bros. and Bad Robot, and is giving the hit video gameSplit Fictiona movie makeover with Sydney Sweeney in the lead role.
‘Wicked’ Helmsman Vows to “Honor” Hot Wheels' Legacy
In a statement, Chu vowed to “honor” the legacy of Hot Wheels, which started out as a brand of die-cast toy cars in 1968, while promising to steer the franchise in a new direction, saying, “Hot Wheels has always been about more than speed — it’s about imagination, connection and the thrill of play. Bringing that spirit to the big screen is an incredible opportunity. I’m excited to partner with Mattel Studios, Warner Bros. Pictures, and Bad Robot to create an adventure that honors Hot Wheels' legacy while driving it somewhere entirely new.”
Abrams previously revealed that the writers behind the Mattel movie had landed on a story that he felt would be “worthy” of the Hot Wheels brand. He described it asa “grounded and gritty” story,suggesting that the racing movie might have a little more beneath its hood. Now that the project has moved up another gear, he noted how much more exciting it has become. “We already felt incredibly lucky to collaborate with Mattel on this special film,” he said. “Having Jon, Juel and Tony come aboard takes our excitement to a whole new level.”
Shortly after the tremendous success ofBarbie, Mattel swiftly announced plans for several more toy-to-film adaptations. The movie division of the toy and entertainment company is known to be actively working on the He-Man filmMasters of the UniversewithBumblebeefilmmaker Travis Knight in the director’s chair,Matchbox,based on its classic die-cast toy line comprising a vast array of small-scale replica cars and trucks, andWhac-A-Mole,a live-action/animated hybrid featurebased on the classic mallet-attack game, among others.
