Latest news with #ElectricSomewhere
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Jon M. Chu to Direct ‘Hot Wheels' Movie for Warner Bros., Mattel
Crazy Rich Asians and Wicked director Jon M. Chu is set to helm the live-action Hot Wheels feature, the big screen take on Mattel's iconic toy cars for Warner Bros. The screenwriting duo of Juel Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier will pen the script, with J.J. Abrams' Bad Robot Productions, which has longstanding ties with Warner Bros., and Chu's Electric Somewhere producing. More from The Hollywood Reporter Box Office: 'Jurassic World Rebirth' Hatches New Era for Dino Franchise With $323M Global Bow James Gunn Says 'Superman' Is About an "Immigrant That Came From Other Places" Michael Madsen, 'Reservoir Dogs' Actor, Dies at 67 The hiring of the director and writers is a major development for the project that originated with Warner teaming with Mattel Studios in January 2019 to develop and produce a big-screen project. The action film promises to bring the iconic Hot Wheels franchise to the movies screen. '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.,' Robbie Brenner, president of Mattel Studios and chief content officer, said in a statement on Monday. The collaboration between Warner Bros. and Mattel Studios follows the box-office success of the Greta Gerwig-directed Warner Bros. tentpole Barbie. Chu added in his own statement: '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.' Chu recently directed Universal Pictures' Wicked starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. He also directed In the Heights for Warner Bros. The film's producers — including Mattel as it looks to its toy properties to become a franchise-driven entertainment giant — have yet to lift the hood on the movie's plotline. '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,' said Abrams in his own statement. Taylor and Rettenmaier have worked on projects like Creed II and They Cloned Tyrone, which marked Taylor's directorial debut. Brenner is producing for Mattel Studios alongside Chu, Abrams and Michael Bostick. Best of The Hollywood Reporter The 40 Best Films About the Immigrant Experience Wes Anderson's Movies Ranked From Worst to Best 13 of Tom Cruise's Most Jaw-Dropping Stunts
Hypebeast
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hypebeast
'Hot Wheels' Live-Action Accelerates to the Big Screen Under Jon M. Chu's Direction
Summary The iconic miniature vehicles ofHot Wheelsare officially racing to the big screen, withWarner Inc. announcing that acclaimed filmmakerJon M. Chuis set to direct the live-action feature film. This high-profile appointment brings a director celebrated for visually spectacular and emotionally resonant storytelling to one of the world's best-selling toy brands. Chu, fresh from helming the highly anticipatedWickedmovies, will take the driver's seat, bringing his proven ability to craft 'rich, elaborate worlds with a distinct point of view.' As Mattel Studios President Robbie Brenner noted, Chu's films are not just 'visual spectacles' but also weave 'unforgettable narratives,' making him the ideal choice to bring the spirit of Hot Wheels to life. The project is assembling a formidable team to bring the beloved, multi-generational franchise to cinemas. Writing partners Juel Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier are attached to pen the script, promising compelling storytelling to complement the visual grandeur. J.J. Abrams' Bad Robot Productions will serve as a producer, alongside Chu's Electric Somewhere, adding significant blockbuster experience to the mix. Chu himself expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, 'Hot Wheels has always been about more than speed — it's about imagination, connection, and the thrill of play.' He emphasized his excitement to 'create an adventure that honors Hot Wheels' legacy while driving it somewhere entirely new.' This move is the latest in Mattel's aggressive strategy to transform its iconic toy lines into major cinematic properties, following the phenomenal global success of Barbie. With other films likeMasters of the UniverseandMatchboxalso in development,Hot Wheelsis positioned to be a key player in this expanding universe, promising to showcase some of the world's hottest and sleekest vehicles in an adrenaline-fueled adventure. While a release date is yet to be announced, Chu's involvement undoubtedly puts this project in the fast lane.
Geek Culture
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Culture
'Hot Wheels' Live-Action Film Steered By 'Wicked' Filmmaker Jon M. Chu
Wicked director Jon M. Chu has been chosen to spearhead the live-action Hot Wheels movie for Warner Bros. According to a press release, the high-throttle motion picture will showcase 'some of the world's hottest and sleekest vehicles', bringing to life the iconic racing car toy line from Mattel. Photo credit: Gregg DeGuire / Getty Images Though plot details have not been revealed, Mattel Studios president and chief content officer Robbie Brenner explained his rationale for choosing Chu: '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.' Meanwhile, Chu said in a statement, '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 (…) create an adventure that honours Hot Wheels' legacy while driving it somewhere entirely new.' The film, which was first announced over three years ago, will be produced by J. J. Abrams' company Bad Robot Productions and Chu's Electric Somewhere. Juel Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier, who have previously collaborated on Creed II and Netflix's They Cloned Tyrone , are to be the screenwriters. The choice to adapt the Mattel toy line into a live-action film comes hot on the heels of Barbie's massive commercial success, which grossed US$1.44 billion in worldwide markets. With the newfound potential to convert children's toy lines into profitable ventures, Mattel has quickly gotten to work, slating Barney, Polly Pocket, the Uno card game, and Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robot for film adaptations as well. Cynthia Erivo, Jon M. Chu, and Ariana Grande behind-the-scenes on Wicked (2024) Choosing Chu to take the helm for this new project may certainly prove to be the right decision for Mattel to achieve their money-making blockbuster vision, given his recent success with Wicked: Part One, which grossed US$750 million worldwide and garnered 10 Oscar nominations. Chu's repertoire is already expanding, with his name being attached to various projects in development, such as a Play-Doh animated film, a Britney Spears biopic, and a stage-to-screen adaptation of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat . Though Chu looks to have his hands full with the countless new projects he will be involved in, fans can look forward to him gunning his engine as he steers Hot Wheels towards commercial success. Conversation with Ting Wei is like chatting with a weird AI bot programmed only with One Piece lore and theories, sitcom quotes and other miscellaneous pop culture references. When he's not sleeping, he's highly likely reading manga. In fact, the only thing he reads more than manga is the Bible, and it's honestly pretty close. Hot Wheels Jon M. Chu wicked movie Wicked Part 1
Express Tribune
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Sydney Sweeney cast in Jon M. Chu's ‘Split Fiction' film adaptation written by ‘Deadpool & Wolverine' team
Sydney Sweeney is set to headline the upcoming film adaptation of the acclaimed video game Split Fiction, Variety reports. The project will be directed by Jon M. Chu, with a screenplay by Deadpool & Wolverine writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick. Sweeney will also serve as an executive producer, joining forces with Mike Goldberg and Dmitri M. Johnson's production company Story Kitchen, as well as Chu's Electric Somewhere. Originally developed by Hazelight Studios and released by Electronic Arts on 6 March, Split Fiction blends science fiction and fantasy. The co-op game follows two authors, Mio and Zoe, who find themselves trapped in the fictional worlds they created. The gameplay features split-screen mechanics and character-specific challenges, earning praise for its storytelling and design. While Sweeney's exact role has not yet been confirmed, her involvement has already generated excitement. The game quickly became a commercial hit, selling over two million copies in its first week and receiving strong reviews for its narrative and visual style. The film adaptation was first revealed during the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in March, drawing significant interest from major studios in what is becoming a competitive bidding process. Story Kitchen, which rebranded from dj2 Entertainment, has become a major force in adapting video games for film and television. The company's recent and upcoming projects include the Sonic the Hedgehog film series, a Tomb Raider animated series on Netflix, and planned adaptations of It Takes Two and Streets of Rage.
