'Hot Wheels' Movie On the Way from 'Wicked' Director
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If you somehow had it on your 2025 Bingo card that the director of the 10-time Oscar nominated "Wicked" would be helming a live-action "Hot Wheels" feature as one of his next projects, congratulations.
Deadline reports that "Wicked" and "Wicked: For Good" director Jon M. Chu has signed on to direct "Hot Wheels," an action film based on the die-cast toy cars from Mattel.
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The writing team of Juel Taylor & Tony Rettenmaier will write the "Hot Wheels" script. The pair have worked on such projects as "Creed II," "Space Jam: A New Legacy," and "They Cloned Tyrone."
Hot Wheels cars by Mattel are offered for sale at a big box store on April 23, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois
Hot Wheels cars by Mattel are offered for sale at a big box store on April 23, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois"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," Mattel Studios' President and Chief Content Officer Robbie Brenner said in a statement to Deadline. "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."
"Hot Wheels has always been about more than speed – it's about imagination, connection, and the thrill of play," said Chu. "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."
Chu is an interesting choice to direct "Hot Wheels" considering his already diverse filmography. Along with Broadway musical adaptations such as the "Wicked" films and "In the Heights" (along with the upcoming "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" remake), his directorial credits include "Crazy Rich Asians" and "G.I. Joe: Retaliation."
Chu also has on his to-do list the video game adaptation "Split Fiction" starring Sydney Sweeney, and "Oh, the Places You'll Go" co-directed by Jill Culton.
The "Hot Wheels" movie was first announced in 2022. Considering the astronomical success of 2023's "Barbie" (another Mattel property), Mattel and Warner Bros. no doubt have high hopes for Chu's "Hot Wheels." The Margot Robbie-starrer brought in $1.4 billion at the global box office.
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