Jon M. Chu swaps yellow brick roads with Orange RaceTracks.
The evil director officially directed a live-action hot wheel film, leading his long-standing projects to Warner Bros. and Mattel gear.
As first reported in Deadline, the Hot Wheels film is being developed as a full throttle action adventure rooted in the heritage of the automotive culture and adrenaline brand. Although the story details are wrapped, the creative team promises an energetic, emotionally driven experience that celebrates the imaginative spirit of a long-term line of toys.
The team will be together
The film is written by Jewel Taylor and Tony Lettenmier. The productions are made up of JJ Abrams’ Bad Robot, Chu’s Electric Where and Mattel Studios as producers, Robbie Brenner, Abrams and Michael Bostic.
“John’s ability to create a rich, elaborate world with a clear view will make him the ideal storyteller for making him a hot wheel,” said Robbie Brenner, president of Mattel Studios. “His films are visual glasses and true eye candy, but what sets them apart is the way he weaves unforgettable stories within those stunning frames. Combined with Jewel and Tony’s compelling storytelling, this team is uniquely located to capture the mind, adrenaline and the spirit of the Hot Wheels.”
Chu added: “It’s always been more than speed. It’s about imagination, connection, and the thrill of play. It’s an incredible opportunity to bring that spirit to the big screen. I’m excited to partner with Mattel Studios, Warner Bros. Photography and Bad Robots to create an adventure that drives something entirely new, honoring the legacy of Hot Wheels.”
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More than a toy line
First introduced in 1968, Hot Wheels was launched by Mattel as a faster, cooler alternative to Matchbox Cars. Since then, the brand has sold over 8 billion vehicles worldwide, becoming a pop culture staple, partnering with leading players in fashion, gaming and motorsports.
The long-standingly planned film has been in development since 2019 and has officially been equipped with a robot in 2022.
“We were already feeling very fortunate to be able to work with Mattel on this special film,” Abrams said. “When John, Jewel and Tony come, our excitement is on a whole new level.”
Jesse Ehrman, president of development and production for Warner Bros. Pictures, added: “John is a visionary director and an incredible partner at Warner Bros. We’re not looking forward to bringing hot wheels on the big screen along with the talented writing duo of Jewel and Tony, along with the Bad Robot and Mattel Studios collaborators.”
Chew’s track record behind the camera
In addition to Wicked, Chu is best known for directing 2018 Crazy Rich Asians, the romantic comedy that went on to become a major box office hit, and the lively musicals of Heights. He also directed two entries in the Gi Joe: Retribution, and Step Up series, showing his versatility beyond action, music and spectacular storytelling.
He is currently Wicked: For for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for for The first film exceeded $750 million worldwide and earned 10 Oscar nominations.
What’s next for Mattel Studios?
Mattel remains busy. In addition to Hot Wheels, projects under development include Polly Pocket, Magic 8 Ball, Bob the Builder, Wishbone, Major Matt Mason, and more.
The film also includes another Car-Centric Mattel project called Matchbox: Matchbox: Matchbox, a live-action feature of Apple’s original films. Stuntman-turned-filmmaker Sam Hargrave (Extract) has directed the cast with John Cena, Jessica Biel, Sam Richardson, Tejona Paris, Arturo Castro, Danai Gurira and Corey Stoll. Character details and plot remain under the wrap. The film is produced by Skydance and Mattel Films and is inspired by the iconic die-cast vehicle line where Hot Wheels were originally created for rivals.
Hot Wheels have no release date yet, but now there’s a chew behind the camera, so the franchise is officially out of the garage.
Jon M. Chu (left) and Lin-Manuel Miranda (right) “In the Heights” set | Warner Bros.
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