Hot Wheels is finally leading the way with a new live-action movie… probably. According to Deadline, the long-awaited Hot Wheels adaptation is back on the cards, with J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot producing a live-action film based on the popular toys.
The film is described as a “high throttle actioner” that will showcase some of the world’s hottest cars and trucks.
“Hot Wheels has been igniting the challenger spirit in auto enthusiasts for generations,” said Mattel Films executive producer Robbie Brenner. “Fans of all ages are now in for the ride of their lives with the incredible talent of J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot joining us alongside Warner Bros. Pictures to transform Hot Wheels’ legendary IP into a thrilling story for the big screen.”
Of course, this isn’t the first time Hot Wheels has revved up a live-action movie.
Back in 2016, Fast & Furious director Justin Lin was attached to the Hot Wheels movie, which even at that point had been in and out of development for over a decade.
In fact, different versions of the Hot Wheels movie have been in and out of production for a very, very long time. McG was originally attached to direct the film for Columbia back in 2003 before it eventually went over to Warner Bros. a few years later. A quick oil change saw Legendary take over the property in 2011 with Simon Crane signing on to direct by 2013.
But since then, there’s been little word about the project.
“Growing up, Hot Wheels were more than just cars, they were vehicles for our imaginations,” said Mattel Films Vice President of Production Peter Dodd. “Today, we at Warner Bros. are thrilled to bring that imagination to the big screen with Robbie Brenner and the creative team at Mattel along with the ingenious minds of J.J. Abrams, Hannah Minghella, and the team at Bad Robot.”
It’s not the only Mattel movie on its way, either. Mattel Films partnered with Warner Bros. to bring the upcoming Barbie movie to the big screen, starring Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, and Will Ferrell.
Ryan Leston is an entertainment journalist and film critic for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter.
