Fresh off the monumental success of Wicked, director Jon M. Chu is trading his director’s chair in Oz for the driver’s seat of a much smaller, faster vehicle. As reported on July 7th, Chu has officially signed on to direct the live-action Hot Wheels movie for Mattel and Warner Bros. Pictures, with J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot co-producing.
The project is assembling a high-octane creative team. Penning the script are Juel Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier, the duo behind Creed II and the acclaimed They Cloned Tyrone. Their involvement suggests the film, billed as an action story, will be more than just a showcase of sleek car designs, aiming instead for a compelling narrative.
In his statement to Deadline, Robbie Brenner, President of Mattel Studios, praised Chu’s vision. “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,” she 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, whose work on the first installment of Wicked earned him Best Director honors from the Critics Choice Awards and the National Board of Review, shared his own excitement for the iconic toy brand.
“Hot Wheels has always been about more than speed – it’s about imagination, connection, and the thrill of play,” Chu noted. “Bringing that spirit to the big screen is an incredible opportunity.”
The announcement continues Mattel’s aggressive and highly successful strategy of mining its vast toy catalog for feature film adaptations. The Hot Wheels project joins a growing slate of films in development based on iconic brands like Polly Pocket, View-Master, and Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots.
With Chu’s recent critical and box office success, the sharp writing talents of Taylor and Rettenmaier, and the production powerhouse of Bad Robot, the Hot Wheels movie is racing out of the development garage with some serious horsepower.
