After the warm success of Wicked: Part One, director Jon M. Chu is set to take up the director’s chair once again for Warner Bros.’ upcoming live-action Hot Wheels film.
Based on the iconic Mattel toy line, the movie is being described as a “high-octane action film” featuring some of the world’s “hottest and sleekest vehicles,” according to an official press release. While plot specifics remain under wraps, the project is part of Mattel’s broader push to turn its beloved toy brands into big-screen blockbusters in the wake of Barbie’s billion-dollar box office triumph.
“Hot Wheels has always been about more than speed — it’s about imagination, connection, and the thrill of play,” said Chu. “Bringing that spirit to the big screen is an incredible opportunity. I’m excited to […] create an adventure that honors Hot Wheels’ legacy while driving it somewhere entirely new.”
The screenplay will be penned by Juel Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier, the writing duo behind Creed II and Netflix’s They Cloned Tyrone. The film is being produced by J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot and Chu’s own Electric Somewhere banner.
Robbie Brenner, president and chief content officer of Mattel Films, called the creative team “uniquely positioned to capture the heart, adrenaline, and spirit of Hot Wheels, a leading brand in car culture.”
“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. “His films are visual spectacles — true eye candy — but what sets them apart is how he weaves unforgettable narratives within those stunning frames.”
Chu’s partnership with Warner Bros. is a proven formula, following the critical and commercial success of Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights. Wicked: Part One, his most recent outing, has already raked in over $700 million globally and scored 10 Oscar nominations. The sequel, Wicked: For Good, is slated for a November release.
Alongside Hot Wheels, Chu is also developing a Play-Doh animated feature, a Britney Spears biopic, a cinematic take on Dr. Seuss’ Oh, the Places You’ll Go, and a screen adaptation of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
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