After working together on TRUTH OR DARE and the upcoming horror twist on FANTASY ISLAND, Blumhouse Productions and director Jeff Wadlow are set to team up again on a movie based on the Mattel toy Magic 8 Ball. Yes, the ball that you ask questions and then turn over to see which of twenty possible answers you might get is somehow going to serve as the basis of a feature film.
It's not clear what sort of movie MAGIC 8 BALL is going to be, but a statement from Mattel Films does point out the success Blumhouse has had with thrillers, so we're hoping this is going to have a horror edge to it. Mattel's Robbie Brenner says:
Since the 1950s, Magic 8 Ball has inspired imagination, suspense and intrigue across generations. This iconic toy has a built-in connection with fans and untapped potential for storytelling. There are no partners better suited to tell the Magic 8 Ball story in collaboration with Mattel Films than Jeff Wadlow and Blumhouse Productions, whose unique approach to the thriller genre has captivated audiences worldwide and has gained widespread accolades."
Blumhouse founder Jason Blum adds:
As fans of Mattel and their iconic brands, we’re looking forward to bringing Magic 8 Ball, one of their most celebrated toys, to life, and playing against expectations in doing so. We look forward to partnering with Mattel Films to put this project on the fast track to the big screen and create a memorable experience for moviegoers."
Wadlow is working on the screenplay with his TRUTH OR DARE and FANTASY ISLAND collaborators Jillian Jacobs and Christopher Roach.
A MAGIC 8 BALL movie strikes me as a really dopey idea, but I thought Wadlow's TRUTH OR DARE was entertaining in a goofy teen horror way, so I'll wait to see how this one turns out.
I no longer have the Magic 8 Ball I had when I was a kid, so I can't ask it whether this movie is going to be good or not. Thankfully, they're in stock on Amazon.