Latest news with #CreedII
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
'Wicked' director Jon M. Chu to direct live-action Hot Wheels film for Mattel
Jon M. Chu is going from singing witches to toy cars. The " Wicked" director is set to helm a live-action Hot Wheels film, Mattel and Warner Bros. Pictures announced Monday. " Creed II" screenwriters Juel Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier are writing the film's script, while J.J. Abrams' Bad Robot Productions will produce. The film will be inspired by the Hot Wheels cars, which are the world's bestselling toys, according to a press release from Mattel. "The high-octane action film will bring the beloved, multi-generational Hot Wheels franchise to life, showcasing some of the world's hottest and sleekest vehicles," an official description of the film reads. Chu said that Hot Wheels has always been about more than speed. "It's about imagination, connection, and the thrill of play. Bringing that spirit to the big screen is an incredible opportunity," Chu said in a press release. "I'm excited to partner with Mattel Studios, Warner Bros. Pictures, and Bad Robot to create an adventure that honors Hot Wheels' legacy while driving it somewhere entirely new." Robbie Brenner, the president of Mattel Studios and the chief content officer of Mattel, explained in a statement why Chu was the right director for the project. "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 upcoming sequel film "Wicked: For Good" arrives in theaters Nov. 21.
Mint
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
‘Wicked' filmmaker Jon M Chu to direct live-action hot wheels movie for Mattel
Director Jon M. Chu has officially signed on to direct a live-action Hot Wheels movie, a major collaboration between Mattel and Warner Bros. Pictures. The film will be based on the iconic toy car brand and is being developed by a powerhouse creative team. The script will be written by Juel Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier, the duo known for their work on Creed II and They Cloned Tyrone. The film will be produced by JJ Abrams' Bad Robot, Chu's Electric Somewhere, and Mattel Studios. Robbie Brenner, President and Chief Content Officer of Mattel Studios, will lead production along with Chu, Abrams, and Michael Bostic. Multiple executives from Warner Bros. Pictures, Mattel Studios, Bad Robot, and Electric Somewhere are also on board to oversee the project. In a statement to Deadline, Brenner praised Chu's visual style and storytelling, saying, '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. His films are visual spectacles — true eye candy — but what sets them apart is how he weaves unforgettable narratives within those stunning frames.' She added that pairing Chu with writers Juel and Tony brings together a team that can truly capture the heart, adrenaline, and spirit of Hot Wheels, a brand that's long been part of car culture around the world. Jon M. Chu has a busy slate ahead. He is co-directing 'Oh, the Places You'll Go!' with Jill Culton, a film set to release on March 17, 2028, featuring music by La La Land's Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. He's also directing 'Split Fiction' starring Sydney Sweeney, an upcoming video game adaptation for Amazon MGM Studios. Chu is widely recognised for his work on 'Crazy Rich Asians' and 'In the Heights', and is represented by Artists First, UTA, and Goodman Genow Schenkman.
Business Wire
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Wire
Acclaimed Filmmaker Jon M. Chu to Direct 'Hot Wheels' Live-Action Motion Picture from Mattel, Warner Bros. and Bad Robot; Juel Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier to Write Script
EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT), a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world, and Warner Bros. Pictures today announced that acclaimed director Jon M. Chu (Wicked, In the Heights, Crazy Rich Asians) will direct the live-action Hot Wheels feature film based on Mattel's legendary and timeless toy car. Writing partners Juel Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier will pen the script (Creed II, They Cloned Tyrone) with J.J. Abrams' Bad Robot Productions and Chu's Electric Somewhere producing. Inspired by the world's best-selling toy*, the high-octane action film will bring the beloved, multi-generational Hot Wheels franchise to life, showcasing some of the world's hottest and sleekest vehicles. Robbie Brenner, President of Mattel Studios and Chief Content Officer, said: '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. His films are visual spectacles—true eye candy—but what sets them apart is how he weaves unforgettable narratives within those stunning frames. Paired with Juel and Tony's compelling storytelling, this team is uniquely positioned to capture the heart, adrenaline, and spirit of Hot Wheels, a leading brand in car culture.' Jon M. Chu added: 'Hot Wheels has always been about more than speed - it's about imagination, connection, and the thrill of play. Bringing that spirit to the big screen is an incredible opportunity. I'm excited to partner with Mattel Studios, Warner Bros. Pictures, and Bad Robot to create an adventure that honors Hot Wheels' legacy while driving it somewhere entirely new.' J.J. Abrams commented: 'We already felt incredibly lucky to collaborate with Mattel on this special film. Having Jon, Juel and Tony come aboard takes our excitement to a whole new level.' Jesse Ehrman, President of Development and Production, Warner Bros. Pictures, said: 'Jon is a visionary director and an incredible partner to Warner Bros. We are thrilled to have him join us, along with the talented writing duo of Juel and Tony. With our collaborators at Bad Robot and Mattel Studios, we can't wait to bring Hot Wheels to life on the big screen.' Most recently, Chu directed Universal Pictures' critically acclaimed Wicked, starring Oscar-nominated Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Part 1 of the feature-film adaptation, released on November 22, 2024, became a box-office hit, earning over $700 million globally and becoming the highest-grossing Broadway adaptation in domestic box office history. Chu's recent projects also include the acclaimed In the Heights for Warner Bros. and the worldwide hit Crazy Rich Asians. Juel Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier are a writing and directing duo who have worked on projects like Creed II and They Cloned Tyrone, the latter of which marked Taylor's directorial debut. Robbie Brenner is producing for Mattel Studios alongside Jon M. Chu, J.J. Abrams, and Michael Bostick. Arturo Thur de Koós is overseeing for Mattel Studios, with Sheila Walcott and Zach Hamby leading for Warner Bros. Pictures, Jon Cohen for Bad Robot, and Jane Lee overseeing for Electric Somewhere. With Hot Wheels, Warner Bros. brings together two major partners, Bad Robot and Mattel, for the first time. Bad Robot has been a creative partner of Warner Bros. for nearly 20 years and is currently producing an animated feature-length adaptation of Dr. Seuss's iconic Oh, the Places You'll Go!, which Chu is also set to direct, among other projects for Warner Bros. Mattel Studios and Warner Bros. Pictures previously collaborated on Barbie, the highest-grossing film of 2023 and Warner Bros.' highest-grossing film ever, receiving over 450 nominations including eight Academy Awards® nominations. Led by two-time Academy Award nominee Robbie Brenner, Mattel Studios' vision is to collaborate with leading creators to make standout quality content based on Mattel's iconic brands that will resonate in culture and appeal to global audiences. Chu is represented by Artists First, UTA, Goodman, Genow, Schenkman, Smelkinson & Christopher (GGSSC), and ID PR. Taylor and Rettenmaier are represented by WME, Redefine, The Gotham Group, & Darren Trattner at Jackoway Tyerman. *Source: Circana/Retail Tracking Service/G10 (Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Spain, UK, US)/ JAN-JUN 2024/Total Toys/Projected USD About Mattel Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends™, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Matchbox®, Monster High®, MEGA® and Polly Pocket®, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world's leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us at About Bad Robot Bad Robot was formed by filmmaker J.J. Abrams in 2001. The company has produced features and television series, including Super 8, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, The Rise of Skywalker, and films in the Star Trek, Mission: Impossible, and Cloverfield franchises, as well as Alias, Lost, Fringe, Person of Interest, Westworld, Castle Rock, Lovecraft Country, Presumed Innocent for Apple TV+, and Duster for Max. Bad Robot has also produced several documentaries, including Netflix's Challenger: The Final Flight, The Blue Angels for IMAX and Amazon, Charlie Hustle & The Matter of Pete Rose, and Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes for HBO. In addition to its live-action film and television slate, Bad Robot produced the Oscar-winning animated short film, The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse and the animated series, Batman: Caped Crusader for Prime Video, and has a number of animated projects underway, including an adaptation of Dr. Seuss's iconic Oh, the Places You'll Go! and Emily The Strange with Warner Bros. Pictures Animation. The company's theater division, Bad Robot Live, has produced such hits as the Tony award-winning Appropriate and Gutenberg! The Musical!, Barcelona in the West End, and is currently staging Cabaret and Sunset Boulevard on Broadway. Learn more at and About Warner Bros. Pictures Warner Bros. Pictures is a part of Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, which also includes New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Pictures Animation. Warner Bros. Pictures partners with the world's most inspiring storytellers to create extraordinary entertainment on every screen for global audiences. Warner Bros. Pictures has been at the forefront of the motion picture industry since its inception and continues to be a leading creative force, producing the broadest slate of films for worldwide theatrical release. About Electric Somewhere Electric Somewhere is the production company of filmmaker Jon M. Chu, known for impactful representation through meaningful spectacle. Award-winning producer Michael Bostick leads the film department, with Chu's television division run by producer, Caitlin Foito. The company has a film deal at Warner Bros. and a first-look deal with 20th Television, which includes projects in development with ABC, Hulu, FX, and Disney+.
Newsweek
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Michael B. Jordan Producing Creed Series for Prime Video.
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors The first Creed spinoff series is entering production at Prime Video. The upcoming drama, titled Delphi, follows fledgling boxers training at the fictional Delphi gym. Michael B. Jordan and his company Outlier Society are producing the series, which is currently a Prime Video exclusive. According to reports, Outlier Society currently has a first-look film deal at Amazon MGM Studios, meaning if the show performs well it could lead to a big screen crossover. Michael B. Jordan stars in Creed 3 Michael B. Jordan stars in Creed 3 MGM The Creed trilogy, itself an offshoot of the six-film Rocky franchise, debuted in 2015. It follows Adonis Creed (Michael B. Johnson), the son of Rocky's first rival, Apollo Creed. Over the trilogy, we follow his rise from juvenile delinquent to world boxing champion, defeating his opponents and battling personal demons. Creed Box Office Creed has grossed over $660 million worldwide across three films, with each film increasing the box office earnings. Here's how much each Creed film has made. Creed (2015) - $174.2 million Creed II (2018) - $213.6 million Creed III (2023) - $276.1 million Delphi Boxing Academy, to give it its full title, exists in both the Rocky and Creed series. Operating out of Los Angeles, California, it was founded by Tony 'Duke' Evers, who trained the Apollo Creed there. Duke's son Tony Evers inherited the gym, and trained the son of Apollo Creed, Adonis Johnson Creed. Adonis is still at Delphi to this day, where he holds the WBC Heavyweight title. Delphi, which will air on Prime Video in 240 countries and territories, already has its showrunner and executive producer in Marco Ramirez. He previously acted as showrunner on another boxing drama: Hulu's La Máquina starring Gael Garcia Bernal, Diego Luna, and Eiza González. Outlier Society, meanwhile, is also developing a Muhammad Ali series called The Greatest. Delphi Release Date There is currently no release date for Delphi, but don't expect it any earlier than 2028.
Fox News
05-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
‘Rocky' star Dolph Lundgren, wife Emma Krokdal soak up Miami sun after actor's years-long health battle
"Rocky" star Dolph Lundgren and wife Emma Krokdal were spotted soaking up the sun in Miami Beach after the actor's lengthy health battle. Lundgren, 67, and Krokdal, 29, were photographed enjoying a day at the beach during a stay at the luxury Faena Hotel. The action star, who revealed in November he was cancer-free after nine years of treatment and surgery, showed off his fit physique as he went shirtless in a pair of blue and white swim trunks. Lundgren sported a black watch and a silver chain. The "Expendables" star wore what appeared to be black kinesiology tape wrapped around his ankles. Krokdal put her trim figure on full display in a lavender-colored string bikini. The personal trainer accessorized with a pair of large tortoiseshell sunglasses, a belly button ring, beaded bracelets and gold hoop earrings. The pair carried white towels as they strolled along the shoreline before lying down to sunbathe. Lundgren was seen rearranging a lounge chair under a red and white umbrella while his wife relaxed in the chair next to him. The actor later wore a white polo shirt before the couple walked back to the hotel where they were seen beaming as they caught more rays. Lundgren and Krokdal, who announced their engagement in June 2020, tied the knot at their villa in Mykonos, Greece, in July 2023. The actor was previously married to jewelry designer Anette Qviberg, from 1994 to 2011. The former couple share daughters Ida, 28, and Greta, 23. In an Instagram post Lundgren posted Thursday, he shared that the couple had traveled to Miami to attend an event supporting the charitable organization Childhelp. "Their mission to prevent child abuse, is a cause very close to my heart and something I've experienced personally," he wrote of the nonprofit in the caption. "Every 10 seconds there's a report of child abused in the United States. Appreciate your help," Lundgren added, sharing a link to Childhelp's website. "Protect our children — our future," he added, tagging Childhelp's Instagram account. Lundgren has previously spoken out about being physically abused by his father while growing up in Sweden. The "Creed II" star's post included a trio of photos taken during their trip. In one image, Lundgren posed in a brown suit with a white dress shirt and white sneakers in the lobby of the Faena. Krokdal, who was wearing a white floral blouse with a sheer white layered skirt, joined him in another snap. The third photo featured Lundgren on stage as he received an award at Chidhelp's "Miracles in Miami" fundraiser. The pair's trip comes after Lundgren announced he had beaten the odds after being given two years to live at one point during his battle with cancer. In a November Instagram post shared from his hospital bed, Lundgren announced he was "finally cancer free with gratefulness and excitement for a bright future." In the video he posted, Lundgren said, "Here I am at UCLA. I'm about to go in and get rid of that last tumor. Since there are no cancer cells in my body anymore, I guess I'll be cancer-free, so I'm looking forward to this procedure." He explained he was undergoing lung ablation, a minimally invasive procedure that uses heating or cooling mechanisms to destroy tumor tissue, according to the Mayo Clinic. "It's been a rough ride and really taught me how to live in the moment and enjoy every moment of life. I mean, it's the only way to go," Lundgren said before heading into surgery. Lundgren was first diagnosed with cancer in 2015, when doctors found a tumor in his kidney. The doctors were able to remove the tumor, and he remained cancer-free for five years. During an interview on "In Depth With Graham Bensinger," he revealed doctors found a "few more tumors around the area" in 2020 and removed six additional tumors, but one had grown into the "size of a lemon" in his liver, and doctors were unable to remove it. "It wasn't looking good," he told Fox News Digital in January 2024. "I mean, there was a doctor in London who basically told me you should stop working and spend more time with your family. Then I realized it was serious." However, the "Universal Solider" star later learned his doctors were "giving me the wrong treatments because they hadn't really checked on all the biopsies." "I got a second opinion from a UCLA doctor, and she went back and looked at all the biopsies, and she said, 'Well, you know, this is a different mutation than what they said,'" Lundgren recalled. "They hadn't checked it. They just assumed. As soon as I got the new medication, I started getting better. And that was all [2022]. "And then last year, I removed all those tumors," Lundgren recalled. "They freeze them out or use radiation. And then, you know, now I'm living a normal life, I would say. Except I gotta go and do a scan every three months. But everything else is kind of back to normal. So, it was scary and magical at the same time."
