Latest news with #IntheHeights
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Live action Hot Wheels racing to screens
After the pink-heavy Barbie extravaganza of three years ago, some of you may be wistful for a film dedicated specifically to the little Hot Wheels cars of your youth. If this oddly specific desire applies to you, you are in luck: as per Variety, Wicked director Jon M Chu will direct a live-action film for Warner Bros dedicated to the beloved toy cars. "Hot Wheels has always been about more than speed - it's about imagination, connection, and the thrill of play," Chu said in a statement. "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." According to a press release, the high-octane action film based on the Mattel toy will showcase "some of the world's hottest and sleekest vehicles." Plot details have not yet been revealed. However, Mattel Studios president Robbie Brenner expressed high hopes for Chu's ability to translate a tale of toy cars to the big 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," 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." In addition to Wicked, Chu also has Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights to his name. Meanwhile, as well as the Hot Wheels film, the director is also slated to work on a Britney Spears biopic, as well as a film project pertaining to yet another children's toy: Play-Doh. The success of Barbie appears to have struck a chord (or opened a Pandora's box, depending on your point of view), because Hot Wheels is not the only toy film on the brink of production; also in the works are films dedicated specifically to Barney (of purple dinosaur fame) and – of all things – childhood favourite card game Uno.
Business Wire
5 days ago
- 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+.
Sydney Morning Herald
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
I spent an evening with Nick Kyrgios. It was bleaker than expected
Every episode of Good Trouble, Nick Kyrgios's podcast, begins with the same mission statement. 'We celebrate those who have the courage to disrupt the norms… In each episode we'll sit down with game-changers who aren't afraid to rock the boat.' On Tuesday night that fearless rule-breaking was taking place at the New Wimbledon Theatre with a recording in front of a live audience. This is a path taken by almost everyone with a successful podcast. As acts of rebellion go, it is hardly Tiananmen Square. Over 14 previous episodes, Kyrgios has hosted an outspoken guest, with appearances from Piers Morgan, Mike Tyson and John McEnroe. On Tuesday Kyrgios was the subject, with questions asked by Gordon Smart. The guest presenter and archive footage did most of the heavy lifting, and it was for the best. Kyrgios, 30, arrived aggressively relaxed, sleek and smart in patterned hoodie, black jeans, black cap and bright white trainers. He looked ready to play at Wimbledon next week, where he was a beaten finalist in 2022. Instead injuries have limited him to five matches in the past three years. While he recovers he has made exploratory steps towards broadcasting. 'At this point he is a tennis influencer,' said Andy Roddick earlier this year, which was not meant as a compliment. The BBC has decided against using Kyrgios in its 2025 Wimbledon coverage. There was some mickey-taking about more or less everyone in the sport, always with affection and charm. Before his breakout win over Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon in 2014 Kyrgios's coach told him: 'You're probably not going to win today.' Once the match started, Kyrgios realised, 'this guy's not even that good'. There was some unhelpful innuendo about the nature of Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz's relationship. There was sadness too. Asked what was his worst moment in tennis he replies 'jeez I've had a lot of bad matches,' before settling on defaulting at the Italian Open in 2019 against Casper Ruud, when he threw a chair across the court. He said he thinks of his Wimbledon final defeat by Novak Djokovic every day although one of the night's biggest laughs is remembering what Catherine, Princess of Wales, said to him after that game: 'Great work, well played,' then what Kyrgios thought at the time, 'How would you know?' We see a lovely home video from his childhood showing Kyrgios lip-syncing with BRIT School flair to Breathe, from Lin Manuel-Miranda's musical In the Heights. This fits the tone of Good Trouble, which has softened Kyrgios, positioning him as a reasonably convincing nice bloke.
The Age
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Age
I spent an evening with Nick Kyrgios. It was bleaker than expected
Every episode of Good Trouble, Nick Kyrgios's podcast, begins with the same mission statement. 'We celebrate those who have the courage to disrupt the norms… In each episode we'll sit down with game-changers who aren't afraid to rock the boat.' On Tuesday night that fearless rule-breaking was taking place at the New Wimbledon Theatre with a recording in front of a live audience. This is a path taken by almost everyone with a successful podcast. As acts of rebellion go, it is hardly Tiananmen Square. Over 14 previous episodes, Kyrgios has hosted an outspoken guest, with appearances from Piers Morgan, Mike Tyson and John McEnroe. On Tuesday Kyrgios was the subject, with questions asked by Gordon Smart. The guest presenter and archive footage did most of the heavy lifting, and it was for the best. Kyrgios, 30, arrived aggressively relaxed, sleek and smart in patterned hoodie, black jeans, black cap and bright white trainers. He looked ready to play at Wimbledon next week, where he was a beaten finalist in 2022. Instead injuries have limited him to five matches in the past three years. While he recovers he has made exploratory steps towards broadcasting. 'At this point he is a tennis influencer,' said Andy Roddick earlier this year, which was not meant as a compliment. The BBC has decided against using Kyrgios in its 2025 Wimbledon coverage. There was some mickey-taking about more or less everyone in the sport, always with affection and charm. Before his breakout win over Rafael Nadal at Wimbledon in 2014 Kyrgios's coach told him: 'You're probably not going to win today.' Once the match started, Kyrgios realised, 'this guy's not even that good'. There was some unhelpful innuendo about the nature of Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz's relationship. There was sadness too. Asked what was his worst moment in tennis he replies 'jeez I've had a lot of bad matches,' before settling on defaulting at the Italian Open in 2019 against Casper Ruud, when he threw a chair across the court. He said he thinks of his Wimbledon final defeat by Novak Djokovic every day although one of the night's biggest laughs is remembering what Catherine, Princess of Wales, said to him after that game: 'Great work, well played,' then what Kyrgios thought at the time, 'How would you know?' We see a lovely home video from his childhood showing Kyrgios lip-syncing with BRIT School flair to Breathe, from Lin Manuel-Miranda's musical In the Heights. This fits the tone of Good Trouble, which has softened Kyrgios, positioning him as a reasonably convincing nice bloke.
Boston Globe
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
‘Ironheart' review: Can the Marvel machine reclaim its magic?
Williams has a bit of an anti-hero streak; she's willing to manipulate people and do a little bad in order to get what she wants. She teams up with a gang of ruffians led by the charismatic Parker Robbins (Anthony Ramos), a villain with a magical cape appropriately called The Hood, who robs the rich. Williams agrees to lend her technological expertise to their heists, in order to score enough money to keep working on her suit. She's obsessed with her pet project because of the traumatic deaths of her stepfather Gary (LaRoyce Hawkins) and best friend Natalie (Lyric Ross), which inspire her to build the Stark-like armor. There's an intriguing sci-fi story bubbling under the surface of 'Ironheart,' as Williams looks to technology to help process her grief. She accidentally uses her memories to recreate Natalie as a sentient AI program, with the resurrected friendship serving as the most heartfelt aspect of the series. Advertisement But while this 'Black Mirror'-style story line is quite captivating, it's too often overshadowed by the messy magical elements that the Marvel machine shoehorns into the show. Advertisement Ramos, whose impressive credits include 'Hamilton' and 'In the Heights,' does his best, but The Hood is the latest laughable villain to join Marvel's recent rogues gallery. And if his Red Riding Hood getup wasn't questionable enough, he's backed by one of the least intimidating TV gangs I've ever seen, like a campy CW version of the 'Ocean's 11″ crew. Anthony Ramos as Parker Robbins/The Hood in "Ironheart." Marvel It's a shame, because the grounded family drama and timely sci-fi themes actually work, as does Thorne's powerful performance. The influence of director Ryan Coogler ( But like Williams's choices, the good doesn't always outweigh the bad, leaving 'Ironheart' an ultimately disappointing entry in the MCU. IRONHEART Starring: Dominique Thorne, Anthony Ramos, Lyric Ross, Alden Ehrenreich, Regan Aliyah, Manny Montana, Matthew Elam, and Anji White. On Disney+. Matt Juul can be reached at
