Robbie Brenner, the President of Mattel Studios, revealed an exciting slate of upcoming projects during MIPCOM 2023. Key announcements included live-action adaptations of popular toy lines, such as ‘Polly Pocket’ and ‘Masters of the Universe.’
Upcoming Projects at Mattel Studios
- ‘Polly Pocket’: A live-action film featuring Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine and starring Lily Collins.
- ‘Masters of the Universe’: Directed by Travis Knight, this film is set for release in June 2026 and stars Nicholas Galitzine, Camila Mendes, and Idris Elba. It will be distributed by Amazon MGM.
- Barney Movie: Written by Ayo Edebiri and produced by Daniel Kaluuya, this project is in development with A24.
- Live-Action Hot Wheels: Produced by Warner Bros. and directed by Jon M. Chu.
- ‘Matchbox’: Currently in production featuring John Cena and Jessica Biel as part of Apple’s lineup.
- Magic 8 Ball TV Series: Directed by M. Night Shyamalan, with pilot script written by Brad Falchuk.
Insights from Robbie Brenner
Brenner expressed enthusiasm for the ‘Magic 8 Ball’ series, highlighting the creative passion both Shyamalan and Falchuk bring to the project. While specific details remain under wraps, the show’s concept has generated significant interest.
Additionally, she shared insights from her visit to the set of ‘Masters of the Universe.’ Brenner described the scale of production as immense, noting the use of multiple sound stages and larger-than-life characters. She revealed that she was blown away by the director’s cut of the film, which she believes will be a strong follow-up to the success of ‘Barbie.’
The Impact of ‘Barbie’
The 2023 blockbuster ‘Barbie’ has set a high standard for Mattel, grossing over $1.4 billion globally and earning eight Oscar nominations. Brenner credited this success with enhancing Mattel’s position in Hollywood, stating that the company is determined to tell compelling stories across various franchises.
Brenner emphasized the importance of identity and uniqueness in storytelling while acknowledging the challenges ahead. Nevertheless, she feels that there are boundless opportunities within Mattel’s extensive intellectual property portfolio.
Future Projects and Personal Passion
Despite handling multiple projects, Brenner remains passionate about each development, expressing excitement for future titles such as ‘American Girl’ and ‘Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots’ with Vin Diesel at Universal. Her background in indie filmmaking and storytelling shapes her vision for Mattel’s future.
As the company continues to innovate in storytelling, Brenner’s leadership looks poised to drive Mattel Studios into a successful new era.
