Barbie was released in the summer of 2023 and went on to break several records. The film reached worldwide acclaim at the box office and went on to win numerous awards.
So, after the overwhelming success of the popular Mattel film, does the toy company have any future plans to adapt their products to the big screen? Here’s everything we know so far…
Mattel’s Successful Debut
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Barbie, directed by Greta Gerwig, followed the popular doll as she longed to leave Barbie Land behind and try to make her way in the real world.
However, she soon discovered that things in the real world were not as they seemed and began to question her place in the world. Did humans have it right? Or were things better for her back home in Barbie Land?
The film starred Margot Robbie as the titular character and Ryan Gosling in the role of Ken. It received eight Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor, and two nominations for Best Original Song (for “I’m Just Ken” and “What Was I Made For”).
Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell won the award for Best Original Song, as they were the composers for Barbie’s hit, “What Was I Made For?”.
Mattel’s Production Company
Mattel Films was founded in 2018 with the goal being to make films based on the company’s most popular toys. In partnership with Warner Bros, Mattel Films released Barbie on July 21, 2023.
The film went on to become the highest-grossing movie in Warner Bros. history, earning $1.4 billion at the worldwide box office. Barbie was one of the first films released by the production company, making it quite a successful debut. For more upcoming movies based on Mattel toys, click here!
Mattel’s Upcoming Films
Here’s a look at some of the upcoming Mattel films currently in the works.
Barney
There is reportedly a Barney film in the works, with actor Daniel Kaluuya set to produce and star. The film will follow the popular purple dinosaur beloved by kids. However, according to Kaluuya, Barney will be a different version of the story than many might suspect, hinting that the film will explore more adult themes.
We’ll have to wait and see, but I don’t think Barney will be geared towards children after all.
Bob the Builder
Bob the Builder will reportedly be Mattel’s first animated feature. Jennifer Lopez is currently on board to produce the film, with Anthony Ramos set to star.
According to Variety, “In a twist on the children’s series, Roberto the Builder journeys outside the neighborhood and goes to Puerto Rico for work.”, which indicates that this movie will probably be suitable for all ages.
Polly Pocket, Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots, and Hot Wheels
There is supposedly an adaptation of Polly Pocket coming soon, with Lena Dunham scheduled to pen the screenplay and Lily Collins slated to star.
There will also be a film of the popular 70s toy, Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots, with Vin Diesel set to star. The movie reportedly follows a father-son duo as they form an unlikely relationship with a robot.
Finally, it looks like Mattel will be making a live-action adaptation of the popular racing toys, Hot Wheels. J.J. Abrams’s production company, Bad Robot, will produce the movie. Similar to Barbie, this movie will also be produced in partnership with Warner Bros. For more on the upcoming Hot Wheels film, click here!
Miscellaneous
While little is still known about several of these projects, here’s a breakdown of every film Mattel reportedly has planned.
- American Girl Doll
- Magic 8 Ball
Magic 8 Ball is supposedly going to be a horror-comedy written by the writer of Cocaine Bear, Jimmy Warden. The film will be directed by Jeff Wadlow, who is best known for his work on the film Truth or Dare. For more on Magic 8 Ball, check out this link.
- Major Matt Mason (Mattel’s version of G.I. Joe)
- Masters of the Universe
- Matchbox
- Thomas the Tank Engine
- Uno
- Wishbone
Wishbone will be based on the popular children’s series from the 90s, centered on the life of a Jack Russell Terrier named Wishbone. The series was also later adapted into a children’s book series called The Adventures of Wishbone.
Conclusion
While much is still unknown about many of Mattel’s upcoming releases, keep an eye out for more movies from the studio. There’s bound to be at least one or two in the next few years! Most likely, we’ll see the release of Barney or Bob the Builder first since a lot of the creatives behind both films are already on board.
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