Written By Kieran Bugg • U.K. Editor
Hot Wheels are revving up to be an “emotional, grounded and gritty” movie under producer J.J. Abrams. Over the years, multiple iconic toy lines have been adapted into feature films, with only a fair few being successful.
Mattel is the latest toy manufacturer to branch off into Hollywood with their upcoming live-action Barbie movie. In addition, the company has further announced that 45 more movies based on their various I.P.s are in development.
One of which is a Hot Wheels movie coming from Abrams and his production company Bad Robot. Speeding onto the scene way back in May 1968, Mattel co-founder Elliot Handler watched his son playing with Matchbox cars.
Hot Wheels Revving Up To Be Grounded, Thrilling Film Under J.J. Abrams
Image: Mattel
This inspired him to start his own line of scale model toy cars which immediately took the world by storm. Before long, Hot Wheels became one of the biggest brands in history and is still going strong to this day.
Moreover, Mattel has partnered with several of the world’s largest car manufacturers over the last 50 years. As a result, thousands more car makes have been licensed to Mattel for kids and adult collectors to own.
A movie based on the brand has been confirmed to be in development with both Abrams and his production company involved. It’s no surprise that a huge brand like this would be getting its own film franchise.
Nonetheless, moviegoers are questioning whether or not this movie is even necessary. However, Abrams has opened up about his upcoming project in an interview with The New Yorker.
He describes the story they have planned as being gritty and grounded, which isn’t what we expected.
Abrams said:
“For a long time, we were talking to Mattel about Hot Wheels, and we couldn’t quite find the thing that clicked, that made it worthy of what Hot Wheels — that title — deserved, then we came up with something… emotional and grounded and gritty.”
Hot Wheels Revving Up To Be Grounded, Thrilling Film Under J.J. Abrams
Image: Mattel
Furthermore, Mattel Films executive producer Robbie Brenner shared his own enthusiasm for the brand’s cinematic potential.
Brenner explained:
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.
With Barbie already looking like a cultural phenomenon, time will only tell if Hot Wheels will match this.