Live action Hot Wheels racing to screens
"Hot Wheels has always been about more than speed - it's about imagination, connection, and the thrill of play," Chu said in a statement. "Bringing that spirit to the big screen is an incredible opportunity. I'm excited to [ ] create an adventure that honours Hot Wheels' legacy while driving it somewhere entirely new."
According to a press release, the high-octane action film based on the Mattel toy will showcase "some of the world's hottest and sleekest vehicles." Plot details have not yet been revealed. However, Mattel Studios president Robbie Brenner expressed high hopes for Chu's ability to translate a tale of toy cars to the big screen.
"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," Brenner said. "His films are visual spectacles - true eye candy - but what sets them apart is how he weaves unforgettable narratives within those stunning frames."
In addition to Wicked, Chu also has Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights to his name. Meanwhile, as well as the Hot Wheels film, the director is also slated to work on a Britney Spears biopic, as well as a film project pertaining to yet another children's toy: Play-Doh.
The success of Barbie appears to have struck a chord (or opened a Pandora's box, depending on your point of view), because Hot Wheels is not the only toy film on the brink of production; also in the works are films dedicated specifically to Barney (of purple dinosaur fame) and – of all things – childhood favourite card game Uno.
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