Greta Gerwig’s fantasy comedy movie ‘Barbie’ has become a certified blockbuster grossing more than a whopping $470 million globally and is still going strong. As you already know, the movie is based on the immensely popular Barbie dolls made by the multinational toy company Mattel. In fact, Mattel is the second largest toy maker after The Lego Group. And in case you are wondering what’s next for Mattel’s ambitious Hollywood plans, then continue reading.
After the phenomenal theatrical success of ‘Barbie’ it makes total business and creative sense to make more ‘Barbie’ movies. And not just potential ‘Barbie’ sequels, there are several Hollywood projects which are actively in the works from Mattel – fourteen to be precise. Right from movies based on Mattel’s hot-selling toy lines including ‘Hot Wheels’ and ‘Masters of the Universe’ to a film starring Academy Award winning Hollywood actor Tom Hanks, the list is quite interesting.
For instance, the live-action feature film project based on Mattel’s toy racing cars property ‘Hot Wheels’ is under active development with ‘Mission: Impossible III’ director J.J. Abrams backing the sci-fi action-adventure venture.
Then, another Mattel Hollywood project based on the much-loved superhero He-Man is also in the works. As per a recent report, ‘West Side Story’ actor Kyle Allen was attached to star as the superpowered protagonist with Nee Brothers (The Lost City) directing the ‘Masters of the Universe’ movie.
Another really interesting Mattel project would feature ‘Forrest Gump’ actor Tom Hanks in the lead role. We are talking about Mattel’s action figure Major Matt Mason, who lived and worked on the moon.
Furthermore, a movie based on the superhit card game ‘UNO’ is also under development by Mattel. Moreover, Brad Pitt starrer ‘World War Z’ helmer Marc Forster will be directing a fantasy movie based on the children’s animated train series ‘Thomas & Friends’.
Other Mattel projects which are under development include a live-action movie on the iconic purple dinosaur ‘Barney’, a family comedy starring ‘Emily In Paris’ star Lily Collins as a ‘Polly Pocket’ micro doll, a feature film starring Vin Diesel based on Mattel’s tabletop game ‘Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots’, ‘American Girl’ family comedy, a thriller based on ‘Magic 8 Ball’, a family adventure comedy project based on ‘Wishbone’ and backed by ‘Dumb and Dumber’ director Peter Farrelly, a ‘Matchbox’ action film, an adventure movie based on the ‘View Master’ picture viewer toy, and a family drama project based on a true story when Mattel donated toys to fulfill a little girl’s Christmas wish.