Jon M. Chu to Direct Live-Action Hot Wheels Film for Mattel, Warner Bros., and Bad Robot
Jon M. Chu • Photo Credit: Sophy Holland
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., July 7, 2025 (ENTERTAINMENT INTERVIEWS) — Entertainment company Mattel has announced that director Jon M. Chu will lead the upcoming live-action Hot Wheels motion picture in collaboration with Warner Bros. Pictures and Bad Robot Productions. The script will be written by Juel Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier, with production involvement from Chu’s Electric Somewhere.
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The movie is inspired by Mattel’s Hot Wheels brand and will feature high-octane action centered around iconic vehicles from the franchise. The film is part of a broader effort to bring Mattel’s intellectual properties to the screen following the commercial success of Barbie.
“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. Paired with Juel and Tony’s compelling storytelling, this team is uniquely positioned to capture the heart, adrenaline, and spirit of Hot Wheels, a leading brand in car culture,” said Robbie Brenner, President of Mattel Studios and Chief Content Officer.
Chu commented on the project, stating: “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.”
J.J. Abrams, whose company Bad Robot is co-producing the film, 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.”
Jesse Ehrman, President of Development and Production at Warner Bros. Pictures, said: “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 most recently directed Wicked for Universal Pictures, which earned over $700 million globally. Taylor and Rettenmaier’s previous work includes Creed II and They Cloned Tyrone.
Mattel and Warner Bros. Pictures previously collaborated on Barbie, which became the highest-grossing film of 2023 and Warner Bros.' top-grossing title in history.
For more information, visit www.mattel.com.
Source: Mattel
