As Marvel and superhero movies are starting to show fatigue at the box-office, here comes the news that Mattel already has 14 other films in various stages of development, not including an inevitable “Barbie” sequel.
This depressing news comes to us via a Vanity Fair interview with Mattel CEO, Ynon Kreiz. The projects include a ‘Hot Wheels’ movie produced by J.J. Abrams, Lena Dunham’s take on the world of ‘Polly Pocket’ and the already-reported ‘Barney’ movie.
Here’s the full list:
• UNO • Barney • Wishbone • Matchbox • Hot Wheels • Magic 8 Ball • Polly Pocket • View Master • American Girl • Major Matt Mason • Masters of the Universe • Thomas the Tank Engine • Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots
Even indie cinema’s Dunham seems very excited to be the next Greta Gerwig with her ‘Polly Pocket’ movie.
Vin Diesel is also pumped about his “Rock ‘em Sock ‘em Robots”: [Pre-strike] we’re working on developing a script and we’re all very excited about it,” Diesel tells VF.
Absolutely nobody is immune to these. Case in point, A “Major Matt Mason” movie starring Tom Hanks as the Mattel astronaut action figure from the 1960s who lives and works on the moon.
So, what 2023 has proven to us is that its two biggest hits — “Super Mario Bros” and “Barbie” — have resulted in the unleashing of numerous Nintendo and Mattel movies to come in the next decade or two.