JJ Abrams Set To Revive ‘Hot Wheels’ With New Film Adaptation

If you’re wondering how far a movie studio will go to cash in on a reboot then look no further. Mattel and Warner Bros. announced recently that J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot has signed on to produce the live-action adaptation of the iconic toy “Hot Wheels.” While plot details are still being kept under wraps, the release notes that the film will feature the world’s hottest and sleekest cars, monster trucks, and motorcycles, which is appropriate for the 54-year-old toy brand.

According to the NPD Group retail tracking service, Hot Wheels is the world’s best-selling toy, with over 8 billion vehicles sold. This is one of the first major film titles under Bad Robot’s production deal with Warner Bros., which runs through 2024, alongside “The Pinkerton” by screenwriter Daniel Casey, “Zatanna” by screenwriter Emerald Fennell, the untitled Superman film by screenwriter Ta-Nehisi Coates, and the animated feature “Oh The Places You’ll Go!” directed by Jon M. Chu.

Bad Robot film chief Hannah Minghella talked about Hot Wheels in a statement. “Before Hot Wheels became the global household name it is today, it was the dream of Elliot Handler, who was inventing and building toy cars at home in his Southern California garage. It’s that imagination, passion, and risk-taking spirit that we want to capture in this film.”

Mattel Films executive producer Robbie Brenner also made a statement. “As the global leader in car culture, Hot Wheels has been igniting the challenger spirit in auto enthusiasts for generations. Fans of all ages are now in for the ride of their lives with the incredible talent of J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot joining us alongside Warner Bros. Pictures to transform Hot Wheels’ legendary IP into a thrilling story for the big screen.”

Mattel Films vice president Kevin McKeon and creative executive Andrew Scannell are in charge of the project, as are Warner Bros. vice president Peter Dodd and Bad Robot’s Minghella and Jon Cohen. Mattel has recently focused heavily on adapting its toy line into feature films. Warner Bros. is also producing a star-studded “Barbie” film directed by Greta Gerwig, written by Gerwig and Noah Baumbach, and produced by star Margot Robbie. Mattel is also working on Masters of the Universe, American Girl, Polly Pocket, UNO, and View Master.

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