Jon M. Chu is trading yellow brick roads for orange racetracks.
The Wicked director has officially signed on to helm a live-action Hot Wheels movie, steering the long-gestating project into gear for Warner Bros. and Mattel.
More on Screen Realm:
As first reported by Deadline, the Hot Wheels movie is being developed as a full-throttle action-adventure rooted in the brand’s legacy of car culture and adrenaline. Story details remain under wraps, but the creative team promises an energetic, emotionally driven experience that celebrates the imaginative spirit of the long-running toy line.
The Team Comes Together
The film is being penned by Juel Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier, the creative duo behind They Cloned Tyrone and Creed II. Production will be handled by J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot, Chu’s Electric Somewhere, and Mattel Studios, with Robbie Brenner, Abrams, and Michael Bostick on board as producers.
“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,” said Mattel Studios President Robbie Brenner. “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.”
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.”
More than a toy line
First introduced in 1968, Hot Wheels was launched by Mattel as a faster, cooler alternative to Matchbox cars. The brand has since gone on to sell over 8 billion vehicles worldwide, becoming a pop culture staple and partnering with major players across fashion, gaming, and motorsports.
The long-planned movie has been in development since 2019, with Bad Robot officially coming aboard in 2022. Now, with Chu at the wheel and a full team in place, things are finally revving up.
“We already felt incredibly lucky to collaborate with Mattel on this special film,” said Abrams. “Having Jon, Juel and Tony come aboard takes our excitement to a whole new level.”
Warner Bros. Pictures’ President of Development and Production Jesse Ehrman added: “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.”
Chu’s track record behind the camera
In addition to Wicked, Chu is best known for directing 2018’s Crazy Rich Asians, the acclaimed romantic comedy that became a major box office hit, and the vibrant musical In the Heights. He’s also directed Now You See Me 2, G.I. Joe: Retaliation, and two entries in the Step Up series, demonstrating his versatility across action, music, and spectacle-heavy storytelling.
He is currently wrapping up post-production on Wicked: For Good, the second chapter of his two-part adaptation. The first film grossed over $750 million globally and earned 10 Oscar nominations — not bad for a Broadway-to-Hollywood leap.
What’s next for Mattel Studios?
Mattel is staying busy. Alongside Hot Wheels, projects in development include Polly Pocket, Magic 8 Ball, Bob the Builder, Wishbone, Major Matt Mason, and more — all aiming to follow the success of Barbie and push Mattel IP further into live-action territory.
There’s also another car-centric Mattel project in the works: Matchbox, a live-action feature from Apple Original Films. Stuntman-turned-filmmaker Sam Hargrave (Extraction) is directing, with a cast that includes John Cena, Jessica Biel, Sam Richardson, Teyonah Parris, Arturo Castro, Danai Gurira, and Corey Stoll. Character details and plot remain under wraps. The film is being produced by Skydance and Mattel Films, inspired by the iconic die-cast vehicle line that Hot Wheels was originally created to rival.
No release date has been set yet for Hot Wheels, but with Chu now behind the camera, the franchise has officially left the garage.
