Mattel Films and Skydance Media are developing a live-action film based on the Matchbox vehicles toy line.
Created in 1953, the Matchbox series of die-cast takes its name from the fact that the original vehicles fit inside a matchbox. Over 70 years, the ‘real-world’ brand has developed to include larger models, action figures, collectibles and other products, with one Matchbox car is sold every second, according to Mattel,
“For nearly 70 years, Matchbox has carried enormous cultural relevance and inspired generations of kids to unleash their imaginations, combining what they see in the world every day with what they dream their own world to be,” commented Robbie Brenner, executive producer of Mattel Films. “We look forward to working with our incredible partners at Skydance Media to craft a story for the big screen that evokes the same, imaginative spirit of this beloved Mattel franchise and delights fans of all ages.”
The film is the latest in a concentrated drive by Mattel to bring a selection of its most iconic brands to the big screen. The highly anticipated Barbie feature film, which sees Greta Gerwig direct Margot Robbie in the title role with Ryan Gosling as Ken, is set to hit theatres in summer 2023. Other projects in development include American Girl, Barney, Hot Wheels, Magic 8 Ball, Major Matt Mason, Masters of the Universe, Polly Pocket, Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots, Thomas and Friends, Uno, View-Master and Wishbone. The company also has an original holiday film, “Christmas Balloon,” currently in development.
David Coggeshall,will pen the screenplay, and VP Elizabeth Bassin and creative executive Andrew Scannell will oversee the Matchbox project for Mattel Films, while David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, Don Granger and Aimee Rivera will oversee the project for Skydance.
Don Granger, president of feature films at Skydance, added: “We are thrilled to be working with Robbie Brenner and her amazing creative team at Mattel, Pairing Skydance’s unique brand of premium, elevated action-adventure entertainment with the incredible legacy of the Matchbox brand is a fantastic opportunity. There is a shared experience for everyone who has played with a Matchbox vehicle or playset, where they create their own inventive action sequence and we’re excited to craft a worldwide adventure film worthy of such imagination.”
Keeping the iconic brand bang up to date, and in a bid to drive forward its sustainability goal, Mattel recently announced it will make all Matchbox die-cast cars, playsets and packaging with 100% recycled, recyclable or bio-based plastic. The company’s Drive Toward a Better Future commitment will see ‘electric’ vehicles and environments that model the real world, and are designed to engage kids in a greener future of driving. The initiative supports the company’s goal to achieve 100% recycled, recyclable or bio-based plastic materials across both its products and packaging by 2030.
