‘Wicked’ director Joins J.J. Abrams for Hot Wheels live action
Jon M. Chu, following the success of Wicked, teamed up with J.J Abrams to bring Hot Wheels to life.
After the blockbuster achievement of the Barbie film, Mattel, the toy and game creator and manufacturer, is bringing another one of its iconic toy lines to life on the big screen with Warner Bros. Pictures.
While Chu takes the driving seat, Abrams’ Bad Robot Productions and Chu’s Electric Somewhere will produce, and Juel Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier will pen the script.
In a press release announcing the movie, Chu said, “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,” the Crazy Rich Asians director added.
He continued, “I’m excited to partner with Mattel Studios, Warner Bros. Pictures, and Bad Robot to create an adventure that honours Hot Wheels’ legacy while driving it somewhere entirely new.”
Robbie Brenner, Mattel Studios’ president and chief content officer, said that “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.”
Meanwhile, father of Gracie Abrams added, “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.”
While currently there is no release date for the upcoming film, Chu’s hit Wicked film sequel Wicked: For Good is set to release on November 21.