Crazy Rich Asians director tapped to work on upcoming Hot Wheels movie
Mattel just put their foot on the pedal for the live-action Hot Wheels movie with a press release naming Jon M Chu as the director of the upcoming film. Chu, known for his direction of the hit romcom Crazy Rich Asians, recently had his musical film Wicked receive 10 nominations at the Academy Awards — including Best Picture.
The Hot Wheels movie, a joint project between Mattel, Bad Robot, and Warner Bros was first announced in 2022 and is based on the Hot Wheels line of toy cars which has been a part of millions of childhoods since its introduction in 1968, regarded as the world’s best selling toy. Writer duo Juel Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier, previously having worked on Creed II and They Cloned Tyrone, will be penning the script.
Prior to the Hot Wheels movie, Mattel and Warner Bros worked jointly on Barbie in 2023. Directed by Greta Gerwig, the film went on to become the highest grossing film of the year and headlined the summer film scene alongside the high budget biopic Oppenheimer. Warner Bros is working with Bad Robot on an adaptation of the Dr Seuss book Oh, the places you’ll go, which Chu is also directing.
The press release from Mattel announced plans for similar films based on the classic children’s show Barney and Friends and the card game Uno. Universal Studios has also seen success in working on toy-based films with Danish building block brand Lego.
Robbie Brenner, the president and chief creative officer at Mattel, said “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.” Chu himself called the project an “incredible opportunity” adding, “Hot Wheels has always been about more than speed — it’s about imagination, connection, and the thrill of play.”
While further details are awaited, we can’t help but feel excited for another movie steeped in childhood nostalgia with a modern twist.
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