Mattel reveal plans for movies about ‘Polly Pocket,’ ‘Barney’ and more

Jody Coffey

Not sure how we feel about some of these…

After the roaring success of Barbie, we can understand why Mattel executives are looking to bring other childhood characters to life.

The film, directed by Greta Gerwig, has enjoyed major success, exceeding box-office sales of over €1billion worldwide to date.

However, it would seem that Hollywood can expect to see more toys coming out of their boxes and on to the screen in the future.

Polly Pocket

Polly Pocket was a big hit in my house growing up in the 90s, from her endless accessories and colourful attachments.

However, I do question what Polly’s storyline would be in a film adaptation. I mean, I was the one creating my own Polly’s personality and deciding the destiny of her life.

Well, Oscar-nominated producer, who runs Mattel Films and produced Barbie (and all developing Mattel film projects), Robbie Brenner, recently teased what people can expect from these nostalgic reboots.

Speaking to Variety, Brenner confirmed that there is a ‘great’ script already for Polly’s movie debut.

For the first (and hopefully not last) time, Lily Collins, starring in the lead role, and Lena Dunham, as writer/director, will join forces.

Brenner says the two talents are an ‘amazing collaboration’ and hopes to see filming get underway soon.

“Lena is so collaborative and rolls up her sleeves and really likes to roll around in notes and listen. She’s incredible. Lily is so smart and so specific and so productorial,” Brenner says of the duo.

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According to Mattel, the film will tell the story of “a young girl and a pocket-sized woman who form a friendship.”

We can see it now, Collins being carted around in someone’s pocket and bringing Polly Pocket fashion into the 21st century.

Here for it.

Barney

This one is a little iffy for me.

The nostalgic purple dinosaur will return to screens for the first time in 13 years in a live-action film.

Speaking on Mattel’s earlier description that Barney would be starring in an ‘A24-type’ of ‘surrealistic’ movie, Brenner says it will have a Spike Jonze film feel to it, “I don’t know that it’s necessarily going to be darker. It’s just going to be unique — more of like a ‘Being John Malkovich’ or an ‘Adaptation.'”

The film, which will be produced by Daniel Kaluuya, will be more adult and have more adult themes, according to the Mattel executive, so it may not be as happy and fun as the original Barney and Friends series.

She then revealed that the upcoming film will be about ‘identity and finding who you love and who feels alienated’ before adding that it will be a ‘little bit off-kilter.’

I don’t know about you, but I’m getting a little bit of a creepy vibe – especially when I think of how they plan to include the ‘I Love You, You Love Me’ song into the dinosaur’s darker revamp.

Hot Wheels

Remember Hot Wheels? One of the top-selling toys in the world?

Car movies have, in the past, enjoyed success and it seems Mattel is cleverly tapping into this market with a movie around the popular toy.

The Hot Wheels film will feature cars, monster trucks, and motorcycles, and has been described by director, J.J. Abrams, as ‘grounded and gritty.’

When discussing the upcoming car movie, Brenner says it will have “real characters that you can relate to, that are three-dimensional, that have emotional journeys.”

With movies such from the Mission Impossible and Star Trek franchise on his resume, it’s safe to say this movie is in safe hands with Abrams.

Excited to see what he does with this one!

Other movies seeing toys and games brought to life include the Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots starring Vin Diesel, and a family comedy about the American Girl doll.

A PG-13 thriller about the Magic 8 Ball, as well as movie about the superhero He-Man called Masters of the Universe, are also being chalked out.

Plans and talks are also taking place to see astronaut Major Matt Hanson played by Tom Hanks and the UNO board game get its own movie (not sure what this will entail but I’m intrigued).

The literary Jack Russell terrier, Wishbone, will land his own family-friendly comedy.

Matchbox, the legendary toy cars from the 1950s, are planned to make their return and train fanatics will be thrilled to hear Thomas & Friends is in the works for a fantasy film.

Lastly, a film that Mattel has in the works is called Christmas Balloon.

While this one is not based on the story of one of their toy creations, it is based on a true story.

When Mattel toys are donated, they help make a young girl’s dream come true.

The little girl who tied her Christmas list to a balloon has her wishes granted by a grieving couple who find it.

The couple, who worked with the toy company, aim to fulfill the girl’s wishes with Mattel now hoping to produce a family drama drawing from the heartwarming story.

What do you think? What film are you most excited to see?