After “Wicked” cast its spell at the box office—grossing over $756 million globally and earning 10 Oscar nominations—director Jon M. Chu is shifting gears in a major way. With “Wicked: For Good” set to hit theaters this November, Chu has officially signed on to direct a live-action Hot Wheels movie for Mattel and Warner Bros. Pictures. And based on the creative team and early buzz, it’s already shaping up to be a high-octane ride.
From Oz to the Track: Jon M. Chu’s Next Blockbuster Move
Chu isn’t just fresh off a hit—he’s coming off a cultural phenomenon. The first half of his two-part “Wicked” adaptation not only became the highest-grossing Broadway musical film adaptation of all time at the domestic box office, it also earned him Best Director honors from both the Critics Choice Awards and the National Board of Review. Now, as he preps for “Wicked: For Good” (out November 21), he’s revving up to bring another iconic world to life—this time, with tires squealing.
In a statement to Deadline, Chu said, “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.”
The Team Behind the Hot Wheels Track
The movie’s script will come from the talented writing-directing duo Juel Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier, whose recent work includes “Creed II” and Netflix’s genre-bending “They Cloned Tyrone”. Their storytelling style—visually punchy, thematically rich—feels like the perfect match for a film that promises to blend adrenaline-pumping action with real emotional beats.
The movie is being produced by J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot, Chu’s Electric Somewhere, and Mattel Studios, with Robbie Brenner producing alongside Abrams, Chu, and Michael Bostic. Arturo Thur De Koós will oversee the project for Mattel Studios, while Sheila Walcott and Zach Hamby are overseeing for Warner Bros. Pictures, along with Jon Cohen (Bad Robot) and Jane Lee (Electric Somewhere).
Producer Robbie Brenner, President and Chief Content Officer of Mattel Studios, praised Chu’s vision, saying, “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. His films are visual spectacles—true eye candy—but what sets them apart is how he weaves unforgettable narratives within those stunning frames.”
J.J. Abrams added, “We already felt incredibly lucky to collaborate with Mattel on this special film. 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 echoed the excitement, calling Chu “a visionary director and an incredible partner to Warner Bros.” and adding, “We can’t wait to bring Hot Wheels to life on the big screen.”
Details about the plot are still under wraps, but the film is officially being described as an action movie that will showcase some of the world’s most iconic and stylish cars. It’s not just about revving engines—it’s about reviving the spirit of a brand that’s been a part of pop culture for over 50 years.
This marks a reunion between Chu, Warner Bros., and Bad Robot, who are already working together on “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”—a theatrical animated adaptation of the beloved Dr. Seuss book. That film, co-directed by Chu and Abominable filmmaker Jill Culton, is slated for release on March 17, 2028, and will feature original music by La La Land songwriting duo Pasek & Paul.
Chu is also developing “Split Fiction”, a live-action adaptation of the video game of the same name, with Sydney Sweeney attached to star at Amazon MGM Studios.
The Legacy of Hot Wheels
First launched in 1968 by Mattel co-founder Elliot Handler, Hot Wheels was originally intended as a performance-driven, cooler alternative to Matchbox cars. (Ironically, Mattel would later acquire Matchbox in the late 1990s.) Since then, Hot Wheels has gone on to sell more than eight billion vehicles worldwide, securing its place as one of the most successful toy brands in history.
Beyond toys, Hot Wheels has become a cultural force—collaborating with car designers, streetwear brands, luxury labels, and more. From motorsports and gaming to fashion and film, the brand has consistently evolved while keeping its roots firmly planted in imagination and speed.
This Hot Wheels project is just one of several high-profile titles Mattel is rolling out for the big screen. Following the success of “Barbie”, the company has accelerated development on films based on American Girl, View-Master, Polly Pocket, Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots, and more.
In fact, Mattel recently merged its film and TV divisions into a unified Mattel Studios banner, signaling a clear intent to become a major Hollywood player. As part of that move, Brenner has taken on an expanded role, with new hires and internal promotions designed to scale their IP-driven film slate.
With Jon M. Chu in the driver’s seat, Juel Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier writing, and a powerhouse production team led by Bad Robot, Electric Somewhere, and Mattel Studios, Hot Wheels is poised to be more than just another toy-to-film adaptation. It’s shaping up to be a cinematic thrill ride packed with emotion, spectacle, and maybe even a little magic under the hood.
No release date has been announced yet—but the track is being laid, and the engines are warming up.
So start your engines. Hot Wheels is coming. Deadline first reported the news.
