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Acclaimed Filmmaker Jon M. Chu to Direct “Hot Wheels” Live-Action Motion Picture from Mattel, Warner Bros. and Bad Robot; Juel Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier to Write Script

via Business Wire

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Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT), a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world, and Warner Bros. Pictures today announced that acclaimed director Jon M. Chu (Wicked, In the Heights, Crazy Rich Asians) will direct the live-action Hot Wheels feature film based on Mattel’s legendary and timeless toy car. Writing partners Juel Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier will pen the script (Creed II, They Cloned Tyrone) with J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot Productions and Chu’s Electric Somewhere producing.

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Jon M. Chu (photo credit: Sophy Holland )

Jon M. Chu (photo credit: Sophy Holland )

Inspired by the world’s best-selling toy*, the high-octane action film will bring the beloved, multi-generational Hot Wheels franchise to life, showcasing some of the world’s hottest and sleekest vehicles.

Robbie Brenner, President of Mattel Studios and Chief Content Officer, said: “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. Paired with Juel and Tony’s compelling storytelling, this team is uniquely positioned to capture the heart, adrenaline, and spirit of Hot Wheels, a leading brand in car culture.”

Jon M. Chu added: “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.”

J.J. Abrams commented: “We already felt incredibly lucky to collaborate with Mattel on this special film. Having Jon, Juel and Tony come aboard takes our excitement to a whole new level.”

Jesse Ehrman, President of Development and Production, Warner Bros. Pictures, said: “Jon is a visionary director and an incredible partner to Warner Bros. We are thrilled to have him join us, along with the talented writing duo of Juel and Tony. With our collaborators at Bad Robot and Mattel Studios, we can’t wait to bring Hot Wheels to life on the big screen.”

Most recently, Chu directed Universal Pictures’ critically acclaimed Wicked, starring Oscar-nominated Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Part 1 of the feature-film adaptation, released on November 22, 2024, became a box-office hit, earning over $700 million globally and becoming the highest-grossing Broadway adaptation in domestic box office history. Chu’s recent projects also include the acclaimed In the Heights for Warner Bros. and the worldwide hit Crazy Rich Asians.

Juel Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier are a writing and directing duo who have worked on projects like Creed II and They Cloned Tyrone, the latter of which marked Taylor’s directorial debut.

Robbie Brenner is producing for Mattel Studios alongside Jon M. Chu, J.J. Abrams, and Michael Bostick. Arturo Thur de Koós is overseeing for Mattel Studios, with Sheila Walcott and Zach Hamby leading for Warner Bros. Pictures, Jon Cohen for Bad Robot, and Jane Lee overseeing for Electric Somewhere.

With Hot Wheels, Warner Bros. brings together two major partners, Bad Robot and Mattel, for the first time. Bad Robot has been a creative partner of Warner Bros. for nearly 20 years and is currently producing an animated feature-length adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s iconic Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, which Chu is also set to direct, among other projects for Warner Bros. Mattel Studios and Warner Bros. Pictures previously collaborated on Barbie, the highest-grossing film of 2023 and Warner Bros.' highest-grossing film ever, receiving over 450 nominations including eight Academy Awards® nominations.

Led by two-time Academy Award nominee Robbie Brenner, Mattel Studios' vision is to collaborate with leading creators to make standout quality content based on Mattel’s iconic brands that will resonate in culture and appeal to global audiences.

Chu is represented by Artists First, UTA, Goodman, Genow, Schenkman, Smelkinson & Christopher (GGSSC), and ID PR.

Taylor and Rettenmaier are represented by WME, Redefine, The Gotham Group, & Darren Trattner at Jackoway Tyerman.

*Source: Circana/Retail Tracking Service/G10 (Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Spain, UK, US)/ JAN-JUN 2024/Total Toys/Projected USD

About Mattel

Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends™, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Matchbox®, Monster High®, MEGA® and Polly Pocket®, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us at mattel.com.

About Bad Robot

Bad Robot was formed by filmmaker J.J. Abrams in 2001. The company has produced features and television series, including Super 8, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, The Rise of Skywalker, and films in the Star Trek, Mission: Impossible, and Cloverfield franchises, as well as Alias, Lost, Fringe, Person of Interest, Westworld, Castle Rock, Lovecraft Country, Presumed Innocent for Apple TV+, and Duster for Max. Bad Robot has also produced several documentaries, including Netflix’s Challenger: The Final Flight, The Blue Angels for IMAX and Amazon, Charlie Hustle & The Matter of Pete Rose, and Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes for HBO. In addition to its live-action film and television slate, Bad Robot produced the Oscar-winning animated short film, The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse and the animated series, Batman: Caped Crusader for Prime Video, and has a number of animated projects underway, including an adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s iconic Oh, the Places You’ll Go! and Emily The Strange with Warner Bros. Pictures Animation. The company’s theater division, Bad Robot Live, has produced such hits as the Tony award-winning Appropriate and Gutenberg! The Musical!, Barcelona in the West End, and is currently staging Cabaret and Sunset Boulevard on Broadway. Learn more at twitter.com/bad_robot and instagram.com/bad_robot.

About Warner Bros. Pictures

Warner Bros. Pictures is a part of Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, which also includes New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Pictures Animation. Warner Bros. Pictures partners with the world’s most inspiring storytellers to create extraordinary entertainment on every screen for global audiences. Warner Bros. Pictures has been at the forefront of the motion picture industry since its inception and continues to be a leading creative force, producing the broadest slate of films for worldwide theatrical release.

About Electric Somewhere

Electric Somewhere is the production company of filmmaker Jon M. Chu, known for impactful representation through meaningful spectacle. Award-winning producer Michael Bostick leads the film department, with Chu’s television division run by producer, Caitlin Foito. The company has a film deal at Warner Bros. and a first-look deal with 20th Television, which includes projects in development with ABC, Hulu, FX, and Disney+.

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