After Wicked: For Good bows in theaters this fall, filmmaker Jon M. Chu will be trading flight for high-speed races with the Hot Wheels movie.
According to Deadline, Warner Bros., in partnership with Bad Robot and Mattel, has inked a deal with Chu for the live-action film. They Cloned Tyrone and Creed II writers Juel Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier have also come aboard as writers. Between the fun in They Cloned Tyrone and Chu’s knack for capturing movement and deeply personal stories, we’re excited to see how they transform the love generations have for Hot Wheels into a big-screen picture. Can the magic of Barbie happen again for another toy-meets-movie situation?
J.J. Abrams is on board as the film’s producer for Bad Robot alongside Chu through Electric Somewhere, with Mattel’s Robert Brenner representing the toy company’s studio. “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,” Brenner said in a statement to the trade. “His films are visual spectacles—true eye candy—but what sets them apart is how he weaves unforgettable narratives within those stunning frames. Paired with Juel and Tony’s compelling storytelling, this team is uniquely positioned to capture the heart, adrenaline, and spirit of Hot Wheels, a leading brand in car culture.”
And Chu shared, “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. I’m excited to partner with Mattel Studios, Warner Bros. Pictures, and Bad Robot to create an adventure that honors Hot Wheels’ legacy while driving it somewhere entirely new.”
Stay tuned here at io9 for the latest Hot Wheels movie news.