JJ Abrams is set to produce a a new Superman film from Ta-Nehisi Coates, a Zatanna movie written by Emerald Fennell, and an animated version of Dr. Suess' Oh, The Places You’ll Go from director John M. Chu. There's also the long-gestating adaptation of Justice League Dark, which is set to be a live-action series featuring the likes of John Constantine, Dean, Etrigan the Demon, and more from the darker side of the DC Universe.
Hot Wheels was created by Elliot Handler in 1968 in order to compete with Matchbox with a more stylized, hot-rod take on the mini replica toy cars. Since that time, the brand has expanded and endured, continuing to produce a vast array of toy cars, while also venturing into RC cars, playsets, and a multitude of vehicles outside of just cars. The brand has also had a number of different animated shows, as well as a popular video game series, called Hot Wheels Unleashed. A Hot Wheels live-action feature film has been in development for years, with The Fast And Furious franchise director Justin Lin set to direct at one point, but nothing has come to fruition as of yet.
Now comes word (via The Wrap) that Abrams and Bad Robot are set to take over Hot Wheels for the live-action adaptation, which will be an action movie that "will showcase the world’s hottest and sleekest cars, monster trucks and motorcycles." Screenwriters Neil Widener and Gavin James were the latest hires to turn in a script for the film, but no word on who is currently spearheading the creative team outside of Abrams. Robbie Brenner, who will executive produce the film for Mattel Films, hyped the endeavor, saying:
As the global leader in car culture, Hot Wheels has been igniting the challenger spirit in auto enthusiasts for generations. Fans of all ages are now in for the ride of their lives with the incredible talent of J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot ing us alongside Warner Bros. Pictures to transform Hot Wheels’ legendary IP into a thrilling story for the big screen.
Aside from Hot Wheels, Mattel has grand designs on adapting a massive amount of their IP, starting with next year's Star Trek 4 with director Matt Shakman.
The Hot Wheels IP is a household name for any child that grew up playing with toy cars, as their legacy has endured ever since entering the marketplace. The trick for Hot Wheels will be finding an engaging story, as well as engaging characters, that make the cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other assorted vehicles racing on the big screen a worthy watch. While half the appeal is seeing the vehicles in action, it will take some smart casting and a creative direction that can balance all the things that make Hot Wheels compelling beyond the imaginative play that they've inspired for decades in order to draw folks to the theater, but Abrams has a definitive eye for spectacle, so it feels like the IP may finally be in the right gear.
Source: The Wrap
