13 upcoming films that are based on Mattel toys 🎞
Masters of the Universe is the next toy-to-screen adaptation set for theatrical release
Last updated 15th Apr 2026
You don't have to be a movie fanatic to know that the 2023 live-action Barbie film starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling proved a global success when the doll traded life in plastic, for reality. In its wake, we still have more Mattel magic to look forward to on the big screen this summer, with even more projects also in the works.
That's right - Barbie was just the beginning - and with a shelf-full of other Mattel toys stacking up for their screen debut, here are 13 upcoming titles based on beloved Mattel toys. Millenials, does the name Polly Pocket ring a bell?
13 upcoming films that are based on Mattel toys:
Masters of the Universe
Following the success of 2023's global phenomenon Barbie, the next toy to get the big screen treatment is Masters of the Universe, set to release this summer. Mattel Films and Amazon MGM's live‑action Masters of the Universe follows Prince Adam, who crash‑landed on Earth as a child and is called back to a Skeletor‑ruled Eternia 15 years later to embrace his destiny as He‑Man. Directed by Travis Knight and starring Nicholas Galitzine, it is scheduled for theatrical release on 5th June 2026 in the US and Canada, with Sony handling the international rollout later that month.
Matchbox: The Movie
The second Mattel project to see its screen debut is Matchbox: The Movie, set to stream globally on Apple TV+ this October. The live‑action action‑adventure comedy, directed by Sam Hargrave, stars John Cena and is produced by Apple Original Films, Skydance, and Mattel Studios. Filmed in 2025, it follows high‑octane automotive escapades inspired by the Matchbox brand and also stars Jessica Biel, Sam Richardson, Teyonah Parris, and Arturo Castro.
Executive Producer of Mattel Films, Robbie Brenner, said of the upcoming film: "For nearly 70 years, Matchbox has carried enormous cultural relevance and inspired generations of kids to unleash their imaginations, combining what they see in the world every day with what they dream their own world to be," continuing: "We look forward to working with our incredible partners at Skydance Media to craft a story for the big screen that evokes the same, imaginative spirit of this beloved Mattel franchise and delights fans of all ages."
The Magic 8 Ball TV Series
The Magic 8 Ball film that Mattel initially developed with Blumhouse and director Jeff Wadlow has effectively stalled, with no current signs of active progress. However, in October 2025, Mattel instead announced a live‑action Magic 8 Ball TV series from director M. Night Shyamalan (The Sixth Sense, Split) and Brad Falchuk (Glee, American Horror Stories) - described as a 'high-concept, character-driven supernatural drama'. Recent reports point to a 2027 release target.
Polly Pocket
The Polly Pocket live-action movie was first announced in June 2021, with Lena Dunham writing and directing and Emily in Paris star Lily Collins set to star as Polly. A script was finished by mid‑2023, but Dunham exited in July 2024, while Mattel insisted the film was still moving forward. In October 2025, Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine joined, bringing in new writers, and as of April 2026 the project remains in development with no set release date.
Hot Wheels
The Hot Wheels live-action movie is still moving forward with Warner Bros., Mattel Films, and J.J. Abrams' Bad Robot producing. First announced in late January 2019 via a Mattel–Warner press release, it re-gained momentum in 2025 when Wicked director Jon M. Chu signed on to direct, with writers Juel Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier attached. As of April 2026, there is no confirmed release date, but trades describe the project as in active development.
Barney
Mattel Films is partnering with A24 and Daniel Kaluuya's 59% Productions, with Daniel producing but not expected to star. In early 2025, Ayo Edebiri was announced to write the script and entered talks to headline. Trade listings note the project is in development - though no director, filming start, or release date has been set yet.
Uno
The Uno movie is still officially in 'development', but the original Lil Yachty–led heist comedy version appears stalled. First announced in 2021 as an Atlanta hip‑hop–inflected Uno heist, it was to star and be produced by Lil Yachty, from a script by Marcy Kelly. By 2023, reports suggested that specific take was being rethought, and recent Mattel slates list Uno without new cast, story details, or timeline.
Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots
Another exciting one for the nostalgics is an upcoming movie based on the Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots! With the toy dating back to the early '60s, it's hard to not recognise the iconic blue and red robots in their fighting ring. The film was first announced in 2021, with Mattel Films and Universal developing the work with Vin Diesel's production company One Race Films. Along with Ryan Engle working on the script, Vin is set to star in the movie, playing the role of a father and son who form "an unlikely bond with an advanced war machine." As of April 2026, the project is "definitely" moving forward - though no director, shoot, or release date have been announced.
On the exciting project, Vin Diesel said: "To take the classic Rock 'Em Sock 'Em game, with Mattel as my partner, and align it with the kind of world building, franchise making success we have had with Universal, is truly exciting."
Thomas & Friends
Calling all friendly locomotive lovers, Mattel is developing a hybrid live-action/animated Thomas & Friends film directed by Marc Forster (Christopher Robin). The project, described by Mattel Studios as a "four-quadrant family adventure", remains in active development according to 2025 industry updates. This coincides with a 2026 franchise relaunch celebrating the brand's 80th anniversary, per Mattel. Plans include a new television series premiering in September 2026 on Netflix, featuring a refreshed 3D aesthetic more faithful to Thomas's heritage.
American Girl
Mattel's live-action American Girl movie was first announced in December 2023, when Mattel Films, Paramount Pictures, and Temple Hill revealed they were developing a feature based on the doll line, with Paramount set to distribute. Lindsey Anderson Beer was named as writer and producer at that time. As of early 2026, coverage around the brand's 40th anniversary still references the film as in development, with no cast, director, or release date yet confirmed.
Major Matt Mason
Major Matt Mason was first announced back in 2011, with Tom Hanks set to star as the Mattel astronaut character. The project was refreshed in 2019 as a Mattel–Paramount movie, with Hanks still attached and Akiva Goldsman writing from a Michael Chabon story about an astronaut living and working on the moon. Since then it's stayed in quiet development, with no director, filming dates, or release set, and very few recent updates.
View‑Master
Mattel is developing a live‑action View‑Master movie with Sony and Escape Artists, based on the classic 3D image viewer toy and scripted by Phil Johnston (Disney's Zootopia, Wreck‑It Ralph). Described as a 'four‑quadrant family adventure' built around the idea of immersive, image‑driven worlds, it currently has no announced production start or release date and remains in development.
Wishbone
Announced in 2020, the Wishbone movie brings back the '90s PBS Jack Russell terrier who imagines himself into the great stories of literature, blending his suburban life with book‑inspired fantasy. Produced by Mattel Films and Universal's Working Title with Peter Farrelly attached as producer, the project is still in active development with no confirmed release window.
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