Get ready for an exciting journey into the world of Mattel Studios! Robbie Brenner, the powerhouse behind Mattel's epic slate, is here to spill the beans on their upcoming projects. From beloved childhood toys to blockbuster hits, Mattel is taking over Hollywood, and we're about to dive into the details.
Unleashing the Magic: Mattel's Toy-to-Screen Revolution
Mattel Studios President Robbie Brenner is a force to be reckoned with, and her recent chat with The Hollywood Reporter has us buzzing with anticipation. With an impressive lineup of projects, Brenner is leading the charge in bringing our favorite toys to life on the big screen.
But here's where it gets controversial... Some might argue that Mattel's success with Greta Gerwig's Barbie film was a fluke, but Brenner strongly disagrees. She believes that Barbie's incredible success "blew the doors open" for Mattel, proving that they are a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood.
"People realize we can laugh at ourselves. Everything doesn't have to be so serious," Brenner adds, hinting at the light-hearted nature of Mattel's upcoming projects.
And this is the part most people miss... Brenner's background in indie film production gives her a unique perspective. She worked on the Oscar-winning Dallas Buyers Club and has a keen eye for storytelling and diverse voices. This blend of indie spirit and toy-based storytelling is what sets Mattel's slate apart.
Let's dive into some of the exciting projects Brenner has in store for us:
- Polly Pocket Live-Action Film: Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine and Lily Collins team up for this fun adventure. Imagine the excitement of bringing Polly's world to life!
- Masters of the Universe: With a star-studded cast including Nicholas Galitzine, Camila Mendes, and Idris Elba, this epic adaptation is set to hit theaters in 2026. Brenner describes it as a massive production, with characters towering at eight feet tall!
- Magic 8 Ball TV Series: Directed by M. Night Shyamalan and written by Brad Falchuk, this series is a unique take on the iconic toy. Brenner hints at the intrigue of exploring our destiny through the 8 Ball.
During her MIP headliner session, Brenner shared her excitement about the Masters of the Universe adaptation. She visited the set and was blown away by the scale and creativity. It's a perfect complement to Barbie, she says, offering a fun and fresh take on the Mattel universe.
But wait, there's more! Brenner also teased a Barney movie script penned by Ayo Edebiri and produced by Daniel Kaluuya, as well as a live-action Hot Wheels movie directed by Jon M. Chu. And let's not forget about the Matchbox film with John Cena and Jessica Biel, currently in production at Apple.
With so many projects in the works, Brenner compares her experience to having multiple pots on the stove, some simmering and others boiling over. It's a busy yet exciting time for Mattel Studios.
When asked about her favorites, Brenner admits it's tough to choose. She's excited about Polly Pocket, Barney, and Hot Wheels, and she raves about working with talented filmmakers like Jon M. Chu and J.J. Abrams. Vin Diesel's involvement in Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots at Universal also has her buzzing.
Brenner's passion for storytelling and diverse voices is evident in her work. She believes that the recent success of indie-driven, polarizing stories like Anora, Everything Everywhere All At Once, and Parasite showcases the power of unique voices in Hollywood.
So, what do you think? Are you excited for Mattel's toy-to-screen revolution? Do you agree that Barbie's success opened doors for Mattel? Join the discussion in the comments and let us know your thoughts on this exciting development in Hollywood!
