The producers of Top Gun: Maverick and the upcoming Mission: Impossible sequels are teaming up with Mattel to bring an iconic toy brand to the big screen.
Skydance and Mattel Inc. are developing Matchbox, the long-running real-world die-cast vehicle line, into a live-action motion picture. Screenwriter David Coggeshall (Paramount’s Orphan: First Kill), who previously skirted the toy realm by working on drafts of Thundercats for Warner Bros. will pen the Matchbox screenplay.
“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,” says Mattel Films’ Executive Producer Robbie Brenner. “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.”
Matchbox has been a force at retail and a staple in toy boxes everywhere since its creation in 1953 by automotive enthusiast Jack Odell. Matchbox was created in response to a challenge from his daughter’s school: kids could only bring a toy to class if it fit within a matchbox. Now, one Matchbox vehicle is sold every second.
“Pairing Skydance’s unique brand of premium, elevated action-adventure entertainment with the incredible legacy of the Matchbox brand is a fantastic opportunity,” says Don Granger, president, feature films of Skydance. “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.”
For Mattel Films, the Matchbox project will be led by Vice President Elizabeth Bassin and Creative Executive Andrew Scannell. David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, Don Granger, and Aimee Rivera will oversee Matchbox for Skydance Media.
Matchbox is the latest in a growing list of projects that Mattel and its partners are developing, including titles based on American Girl, Barney, Hot Wheels, Magic 8 Ball, Major Matt Mason, Masters of the Universe, Polly Pocket, Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots, Thomas & Friends, UNO, View-Master, and Wishbone. Additionally, Mattel Films is developing the original IP, Christmas Balloon, and the long-awaited Barbie movie is currently in production with Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling starring as Barbie and Ken.
