By Kayla DeKraker
As toy-inspired movies continue to find success, Mattel Studios, a new production company led by Robbie Brenner, plans to continue the trend.
“Our vision for Mattel Studios 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,” Mattel Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ynon Kreiz said.
Brenner served for almost seven years as Mattel Film’s president before her new position as president and chief content officer of Mattel Studios.
“Robbie’s relationships, track record, and expertise in leading the creative process for brand-led content will strengthen Mattel’s position as a trusted partner for the world’s top creative talent across film and television,” Kreiz continued.
Jennifer Breslow will serve as head of television alongside senior executives Darian Lanzetta and Tom McNulty. Lanzetta is known for his role in ROCK ‘EM SOCK ‘EM ROBOTS, BOB THE BUILDER and MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE. McNulty previously worked on THE SPECTACULAR NOW and THE STAND IN.
“Mattel has attracted some of the greatest talent of our generation to reimagine our brands and characters as motion pictures,” Brenner said of her team. “I am grateful for the opportunity to create unparalleled stories from our beloved IP beyond film into episodic content.”
“We proudly welcome Jennifer, Darian, and Tom as we embark on this next exciting phase of Mattel’s entertainment journey. Together we are well positioned to support our growing slate, continue building a home for best-in-class creators, and develop content that resonates with audiences around the world,” she added.
Toy-based films have been all the rage recently, especially following the success of 2023’s BARBIE which was a box office winner.
“Successful movies lend themselves to more movies,” Kreiz told Variety after BARBIE’s success. “Our ambition is to create film franchises.”
The BARBIE movie was the number one title at the box office in 2023, making $1,447,038,421 worldwide and $636,238,421 domestically.
Since then, movies centered on other popular toys and kids’ properties including Matchbox cars, BARNEY, THOMAS & FRIENDS, Hot Wheels and Viewfinder are in the works.
Related: Classic Toy Finally Makes Live-Action Big Screen Debut
Brenner said, “Everybody hopes that when you create a movie that there is going to be a franchise. That’s the hope — that it goes on and on and it’s a gift that keeps giving. But, in this day and age, you just want to get the first one right.”
Now that Mattel Studios is here, we can look forward to more nostalgic, toy-based films.
Read Next: Mattel Announces BOB THE BUILDER Movie
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