Mattel Films

Mattel Films is the film production division of Mattel originally formed on October 16, 2013, as Mattel Playground Productions as part of Mattel Global Brands, a unified media structural and strategy unit.[2]

Mattel Films
FormerlyMattel Playground Productions (2013–2016)
TypeFilm division
IndustryFilm production
PredecessorRadnitz-Mattel Productions
FoundedOctober 16, 2013 (2013-10-16)
Headquarters
El Segundo, California
,
U.S.
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
  • Robbie Brenner (Executive Producer)
  • Ivan Sanchez (Executive Producer, Creativity)
  • Kevin McKeon (Vice President)
Number of employees
5 (2019)[1]
ParentMattel

On March 31, 2016, Mattel placed the division within a newly created division at the time, Mattel Creations, absorbed its operations into it and, seven months later, made it defunct due to the box office reception of the live-action film release of Max Steel.[3] On September 6, 2018, the division was revived and reformed as Mattel Films.[4]

History

Since the 1970s, Mattel has teamed up with numerous producers and studios to adapt its portfolio into feature-length films. This includes a joint venture in 1970 with producer Robert B. Radnitz, which produced family films including Sounder, Where the Lilies Bloom,[5] and A Hero Ain't Nothin' but a Sandwich.[6]

Former logo as Mattel Playground Productions

In 2013, Mattel launched Playground Productions (shortened as Mattel PGP or just PGP) as its in-house film studio to handle multimedia productions and foster creative storytelling for its brands for global multi-platform distribution.[7][8] Its first animated project was Team Hot Wheels: The Origin of Awesome!. Mattel had been developing a live-action Hot Wheels film at Legendary Entertainment and Universal Pictures, films featuring the Masters of the Universe and Barbie brands at Columbia Pictures, a Monster High film with Universal and a Max Steel film with Dolphin Entertainment. PGP was planned to set up three-year storytelling plans that incorporate every part of the company's core operations, from toy designers to consumer products and marketing.[7] David Voss, an acclaimed 20-year veteran in the toy and entertainment business, was appointed as the division's head and Senior Vice President.[7][9]

With WWE on March 17, 2014, Mattel PGP launched an online short form series, WWE Slam City, to go along with its dedicated toy line.[10] The series was picked up by Nicktoons' NickSports programming block from October 22, 2014.[11]

After Voss left the division in January 2016 for subscription service, Loot Crate,[12] Mattel placed PGP within Mattel Creations upon its formation along with its other two content production units: HIT Entertainment and the content creation team of American Girl at Middleton, Wisconsin.[13] After the critical and commercial failure of the live-action Max Steel film on October 20, 2016, Mattel Playground Productions was absorbed into Mattel Creations.[3]

Reformation as Mattel Films

On September 6, 2018, Mattel announced the launch of a film division, Mattel Films, that will make films based on the company's toy brands. Outside Mattel, the division is widely recognized as the revival and replacement of Mattel PGP. Acclaimed film producer Robbie Brenner was appointed to head the division as executive producer and will report directly to Mattel's CEO, Ynon Kreiz.[4][14]

The revived division's first two projects will be the Barbie and Masters of the Universe live-action films.[15] On January 7, 2019, it was announced that Margot Robbie was going to star in the Barbie film to be co-produced with Warner Bros. Pictures and Robbie's production company, LuckyChap Entertainment.[16]

With the Hot Wheels films rights option with Legendary Entertainment expired and reverted to Mattel, Mattel Films shopped the property to Warner Bros. for a partnership on a film for the first time on January 29, 2019.[17] The company teamed up with Universal Pictures for the first time on July 16, 2020, on adaptation of Wishbone to film.[18]

On April 19, 2021, Mattel Films teamed up with Universal Pictures and Vin Diesel's One Race Films for a live-action film adaptation of the 1966-launched toy, Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots, starring Diesel himself.[19][20][21]

On June 24, 2021, Mattel Films and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer agreed to work on a live-action film for Polly Pocket.[22][23]

On December 16, 2021, Mattel Films announced its first project based on outside intellectual property: Christmas Balloon, which is written by Gabriela Revilla Lugo. The film is intended to be based on the true story of a young girl who tried to send her Christmas message to Santa via a balloon.[24][25][26][27]

In July 2022, Mattel Films and Skydance announced the development of a live-action movie based on the Matchbox die-cast toy vehicles.[28][29]

Filmography
Mattel Playground Productions
Title Release date(s) Type Production
partner(s)		 Distributor Notes
Monster High October 20, 2013 – April 3, 2016 2D-animated shorts and web series Nerd Corps Entertainment YouTube
Monster High 2013–2016 CGI-animated films DHX Media Vancouver

Nerd Corps Entertainment

 Television:
Universal Pictures Home Entertainment (Home video release)		 61–75 minutes
Barbie and the Secret Door October 16, 2014 CGI-animated film Rainmaker Entertainment Television:
  • Cartoon Network (Latin America)
  • Nickelodeon (U.S.; international)
Universal Pictures Home Entertainment

(Home video release)[30]
Team Hot Wheels June 7, 2014 Animated Mercury Filmworks
Titmouse, Inc.		 Digital platforms
YouTube
  • 22-minute origin story (Spring)[9]
  • 11 2-minute shorts (Summer)
  • 74-minute direct-to-video film (Autumn/Fall)
WWE Slam City March 17, 2014 Stop motion Stoopid Buddy Stoodios[11] Digital platforms[10]
Nicktoons[11]		 26-episode 2-minute shorts series[10]
Ever After High[31] May 30, 2013 – June 20, 2016 "Legacy Day" 15-minute special Guru Studio Netflix Fairy tale web series
"True Hearts Day" 22-minute webisode special
  • Nickelodeon (U.S.; international)
  • YouTube
  • EverAfterHigh.com
"Thronecoming" 44-minute television special
66 3-minute webisodes
Barbie in Princess Power March 3, 2015[32] CGI-animated film Rainmaker Entertainment Nickelodeon (U.S. broadcast)
Universal Pictures Home Entertainment

(Home video release)[33][34][35][36]
Barbie in Rock 'N Royals August 13, 2015[37]
Barbie & Her Sisters in The Great Puppy Adventure October 8, 2015[38]
Barbie: Spy Squad January 15, 2016[39]
Max Steel October 26, 2016[40] Live-action film Dolphin Films
Ingenious Media		 Open Road Films[9] Final production before the absorption of Mattel PGP into Mattel Creations.
As Mattel Films
Barbie July 21, 2023 Live-action film LuckyChap Entertainment
Heyday Films		 Warner Bros. Pictures
Masters of the Universe October 4, 2024 Columbia Pictures
Escape Artists		 Netflix
Barney 2025 59% Productions
Annapurna Pictures		 Paramount Pictures
Hot Wheels June 13, 2025 Bad Robot Productions Warner Bros. Pictures
American Girl TBA Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Big Jim TBA Netflix Miramax
Chatty Cathy and Betsy Wetsy TBA Aggregate Films DreamWorks Pictures
Christmas Balloon TBA Vital Pictures Walt Disney Pictures
Magic 8 Ball TBA Blumhouse Productions 20th Century Studios
Major Matt Mason TBA Playtone
Weed Road Pictures		 Paramount Pictures
Matchbox TBA Skydance Media Paramount Pictures
Polly Pocket TBA Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Good Thing Going
Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots TBA One Race Films Universal Pictures
Thomas & Friends: The Movie TBA 2Dux2
Uno TBA Quality Films 20th Century Studios
View-Master TBA Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Paramount Pictures
Wishbone TBA Universal Pictures

References
  1. Kit, Borys (February 28, 2019). "Magic 8 Ball, the Movie? Mattel's New Film Chief on Adapting Toys and Why Barbie Was "Ahead of Her Time"". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on March 3, 2019. Retrieved March 11, 2019.
  2. Goldman Getzler, Wendy (October 16, 2013). "With profits up, Mattel launches in-house studio Playground Productions". Kidscreen. Archived from the original on September 8, 2018. Retrieved September 7, 2018.
  3. Thompson, Luke Y. (September 7, 2018). "Why Mattel's Latest Movie Studio Announcement Doesn't Impress". Forbes. Archived from the original on January 10, 2019. Retrieved January 9, 2019.
  4. Ng, David. "Mattel creates new film division to turn toys into movies". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on September 7, 2018. Retrieved September 7, 2018.
  5. Nelson, Valerie J. (June 10, 2010). "Robert B. Radnitz dies at 85; Hollywood producer of distinguished family films". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on July 17, 2020. Retrieved July 17, 2020.
  6. "A Hero Ain't Nothin' But a Sandwich". AFI Catalog. AFI. Archived from the original on July 17, 2020. Retrieved July 17, 2020.
  7. Graser, Marc (November 5, 2013). "Mattel's Bold Plan to Take Control Back From Hollywood". Variety. Archived from the original on May 8, 2014. Retrieved May 7, 2014.
  8. Getzler, Wendy Goldman (October 16, 2013). "With profits up, Mattel launches in-house studio Playground Productions". Retrieved September 1, 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  9. Graser, Marc (October 15, 2013). "Mattel to Create Original Entertainment Through Playground Productions Banner". Variety. Archived from the original on June 13, 2016. Retrieved June 6, 2016.
  10. Goldman Getzler, Wendy (March 17, 2014). "Mattel and WWE producing 26-episode web series for kids". StreamDaily. Brunico Communications Ltd. Kidscreen. Archived from the original on December 20, 2016. Retrieved December 16, 2016.
  11. Dickson, Jeremy (October 22, 2014). "Nickelodeon takes WWE Slam City from web to TV". Kidscreen. Brunico Communications Ltd. Archived from the original on December 20, 2016. Retrieved December 16, 2016.
  12. Castleman, Lana (March 31, 2016). "Mattel centralizes content output in new division". Kidscreen. Archived from the original on December 20, 2016. Retrieved December 16, 2016.
  13. Tartaglione, Nancy (March 31, 2016). "Mattel Creations Formed To Centralize Toy Giant's Theatrical, TV & Digital Content". Deadline Hollywood. Penske Business Media, LLC. Archived from the original on June 5, 2016. Retrieved June 6, 2016.
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  17. Kroll, Justin (January 30, 2019). "'Hot Wheels' Live-Action Movie in the Works With Mattel, Warner Bros". Variety. Archived from the original on February 10, 2020. Retrieved July 15, 2020.
  18. Kroll, Justin (July 15, 2020). "'Wishbone' Film Adaptation in the Works From Mattel and Universal With Peter Farrelly Producing". Variety. Archived from the original on July 16, 2020. Retrieved July 17, 2020.
  19. Stone, Loryn (April 20, 2021). "Mattel Films to Develop Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots Live-Action Motion Picture with Universal Pictures and Vin Diesel's One Race Films". Toy-Wizards.com. Retrieved May 1, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  20. Foster, Elizabeth (April 20, 2021). "Mattel hits the big screen with Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots". Kidscreen. Retrieved November 7, 2021.
  21. "Mattel Films to Develop Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots Live-Action Motion Picture with Universal Pictures and Vin Diesel's One Race Films". Yahoo! Finance. April 19, 2021. Retrieved April 22, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  22. Hutchins, Robert (June 25, 2021). "Mattel is developing a live action Polly Pocket movie with MGM". ToyNews. Retrieved July 1, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  23. Galuppo, Mia (June 24, 2021). "Lena Dunham Tackling 'Polly Pocket' Movie Starring Lily Collins". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved July 1, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  24. Kazakos, Niki; Karaca, Kristine (December 16, 2021). "Mattel Films to Develop Family Drama Christmas Balloon Live-Action Motion Picture". Mattel Films (Press release). Mattel. Retrieved January 3, 2022.{{cite press release}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  25. Gonzalez, Umberto (December 16, 2021). "Live-Action 'Christmas Balloon' Movie in the Works at Mattel Films". TheWrap. Retrieved January 3, 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  26. Galuppo, Mia (December 16, 2021). "Mattel Developing Holiday Feature 'Christmas Balloon'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 7, 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  27. "Mattel Films to Develop Family Drama Christmas Balloon Live-Action Motion Picture" (Press release). Mattel, Inc. Retrieved March 10, 2022.
  28. Chapman, Wilson (July 19, 2022). "Matchbox Cars Live-Action Movie in the Works from Mattel and Skydance". Variety. Retrieved October 19, 2022.
  29. D'Alessandro, Anthony (July 19, 2022). "Skydance & Mattel Revving Up Matchbox Cars Live-Action Movie". Deadline. Retrieved October 19, 2022.
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  33. "Barbie in Princess Power". Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. March 21, 2015. Retrieved January 7, 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  34. "Barbie in Rock 'N Royals". Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. June 10, 2016. Retrieved January 7, 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  35. "Barbie & Her Sisters in The Great Puppy Adventure". Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. July 23, 2015. Retrieved January 7, 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  36. "Barbie: Spy Squad". Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. December 16, 2015. Retrieved January 7, 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  37. "Barbie in Rock 'N Royals (2015) - Financial Information". The Numbers. July 30, 2015. Retrieved May 1, 2016.
  38. "Barbie & Her Sisters in The Great Puppy Adventure (2015) - Financial Information". The Numbers. October 3, 2015. Retrieved May 1, 2016.
  39. "Barbie & Her Sisters in The Great Puppy Adventure (2015) - Financial Information". The Numbers. March 3, 2015. Retrieved May 1, 2016.
  40. McNary, Dave (February 23, 2016). "Robert De Niro Boxing Movie 'Hands of Stone' Set for August Release". Variety. Archived from the original on April 15, 2016. Retrieved April 2, 2016.
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