After the success of Wicked and a long run of visually rich films, Jon M. Chu is officially directing the live-action Hot Wheels movie for Warner Bros Pictures and Mattel Studios. The project teams him up with Juel Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier, the writing duo behind Creed II and They Cloned Tyrone. Production will be handled by Mattel Studios, J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot, and Chu’s own Electric Somewhere.
While plot details are still being kept quiet, the movie is expected to be an action-driven celebration of car culture, tied to the legacy of Mattel’s legendary die-cast brand. Chu called the opportunity a chance to explore the thrill of play and connection, saying Hot Wheels has always been about more than just speed.
This announcement builds on Chu’s relationship with Warner Bros and Bad Robot, who are also collaborating with him on the upcoming Dr. Seuss animated adaptation Oh, the Places You’ll Go. That project is set for 2028, giving Chu plenty of time to shape Hot Wheels into something special.
The film marks another strategic move for Mattel Studios following the breakout success of Barbie. They’re doubling down on recognizable brands, but Hot Wheels feels like one of the more natural fits for the big screen. It’s fast, fun, and already rooted in car culture, with billions of toy cars sold since its launch in 1968.
Taylor and Rettenmaier bring fresh energy to the script, and Chu’s ability to blend style and story could give Hot Wheels the kind of depth most toy adaptations skip. With producers from Mattel, Bad Robot, and Electric Somewhere all on board, this one looks more like a real film than a marketing exercise.
The Hot Wheels movie has been in development since 2022, but this update signals real momentum. With the right tone and creative freedom, it could become Mattel’s next breakout hit.
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