Yesterday Variety learned that the Mattel toy company is preparing for the launch of Mattel Films, a new division focused on producing motion pictures based on the beloved brand's popular IP. Leading the charge for the new venture is DALLAS BUYERS CLUB producer Robbie Brenner, who will work alongside Mattel’s new chairman and CEO, Ynon Kreiz, in overseeing films centered around BARBIE, HE-MAN AND THE MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE, HOT WHEELS and MAX STEEL.
“Mattel is home to one of the world’s greatest portfolios of beloved franchises, and the creation of Mattel Films will allow us to unlock significant value across our IP,” said Kreiz. “Robbie is a gifted storyteller and a highly respected filmmaker with deep relationships in entertainment. She is the perfect leader to bring our celebrated brands to life.”
“Generations of children around the world have grown up with deep emotional connections to Mattel’s brands and characters,” said Brenner. “There are so many stories to be told and so many imaginations to be captured by these iconic brands, and I look forward to working with Ynon and his team to do so.”
While Mattel might be behind the curve when it comes to adapting their properties for the big screen, all of that is expected to change as the Oscar award nominated producer has reveled that she has big plans for several of the toy maker's most iconic franchises. Among the many products stretched across the Mattel line, it's to be thought that Barbie, Hot Wheels, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, Monster High, and Max Steel will be among the first considered for big budget film adaptations. As part of a recent development, Sony announced that their options for Barbie and Masters of the Universe have expired, leaving the newly-formed Mattel Films in a prime position to rethink the managing of those franchises.
Here's a thought: What if Mattel Films produced a HOT WHEELS movie in the vein of FAST AND THE FURIOUS? That would be pretty cool, right? Or, what if they go hard into the fantasy realm, and sign Jason Momoa for HE-MAN MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE? It could happen, and I'm sure that we'd all be there to watch it. Let us know if you have any ideas for Mattel adaptations in the comments section below.