Following the resounding success of “Barbie,” Mattel has partnered with Universal Pictures to develop another live-action film based on its best-selling dolls.
The El Segundo-based toy company and the studio giant announced Wednesday that they will join forces for “Monster High,” a big-screen movie inspired by the modern plastic descendants of classic creatures.
Universal and Mattel have tapped Akiva Goldsman, an Oscar-winning screenwriter known for “A Beautiful Mind” and “Cinderella Man,” to produce the film under their banner, Weed Road. Goldsman said in a statement that he has been “fascinated” by Monster High dolls since his daughters were “obsessed” with them as children.
“Monster High” is one of many film projects in Mattel's pipeline derived from popular toys, including American Girl dolls, Hot Wheels, Magic 8 Ball, Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots and Polly Pocket. (MGM is developing the latter with “Girls” creator Lena Dunham and “Emily in Paris” star Lily Collins attached.)
The toy factory hopes to repeat the commercial and critical triumph of Greta Gerwig's “Barbie,” which grossed $1.4 billion at the global box office last year and earned eight Oscar nominations.
And Mattel isn't the only one looking to land its next toy blockbuster.
Margot Robbie, who produced and starred in “Barbie,” is working on film adaptations of the video game The Sims and the board game Monopoly through her production company, LuckyChap Entertainment.
May the best “Barbie” student win.
