With the momentous success of Barbie, it’s not surprising that Mattel wants to adapt more of its toy brands into Hollywood films. According to The New Yorker, as many as 45 projects are in development, essentially creating a Mattel cinematic universe. And one of them is a Hot Wheels movie based on the iconic toy car line.
Yes, a Hot Wheels movie is actually happening.
Hot Wheels movie to be produced by JJ. Abrhams
In truth, a Hot Wheels movie has been in the pipeline for a long time with multiple studios trying to get the project off the ground. Back in 2012, McG, known for the Charlie's Angels franchise, was expected to direct the toy car film for Columbia Pictures before it was picked up by Warner Bros.
Justin Lin was also set to direct the Hot Wheels movie, but the Fast & Furious 9 director is no longer helming the project.
Although the yet-to-be-titled Hot Wheels movie doesn’t have a director yet, JJ Abrahams (Star Wars: The Force Awakens) is producing the project.
While there has already been a slew of animated films such as 1999’s aptly-named Hot Wheels: The First Movie, this will be the first live-action Hot Wheels movie.
You might think a Hot Wheels movie will be full of over-the-top stunts, crazy tracks, and cartoonish characters, similar to the chaotic Mario Kart setpiece in the Super Mario Bros. Movie. But in a recent interview with The New Yorker, Abrahams described the Hot Wheels movie as “emotional, grounded and gritty.”
“For a long time, we were talking to Mattel about Hot Wheels, and we couldn’t quite find the thing that clicked, that made it worthy of what Hot Wheels—that title—deserved,” said Abrams. “Then we came up with something…emotional, and grounded and gritty.”
Hot Wheels may not be the only toy car line being made into a live-action film either, as Mattel has also reportedly greenlit a Matchbox movie.
Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 - Turbocharged
Produced by Warner Bros, the Hot Wheels movie doesn’t have a set release date yet. Don’t despair though, because Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 – Turbocharged is racing onto PC and consoles this October.
Developed by Milestone, Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 will bring the toy car line to life with crazy stunts, over 130 vehicles including the introduction of bikes and ATVs, and a new skill system. There will also be a story-driven campaign, but like the movie plot details and characters are under wraps for now.
Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 – Turbocharged is set to release on 19 October 2023. However, players who pre-order the premium Legendary Edition can get racing three days earlier on 16 October 2023.