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Time of India
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Mattel is combining film and television units to create Mattel Studios
HighlightsToy maker Mattel is merging its film and television divisions to establish Mattel Studios, aiming to create entertainment centered around its iconic brands, following the success of the 'Barbie' movie. Robbie Brenner has been appointed as president and chief content officer of Mattel Studios, reporting directly to chairman and chief executive officer Ynon Kreiz. Upcoming projects from Mattel Studios include a live-action 'Masters of the Universe' film set for June 2026, a 'Matchbox' theatrical release in fall 2026, and an animated movie featuring 'Bob the Builder' with actor Anthony Ramos. Toy maker Mattel is combining its film and television units to form Mattel Studios , it said on Monday, as the company seeks to produce entertainment driven by its brands and potentially repeat the commercial success of the "Barbie" movie. Mattel Films President Robbie Brenner , who joined the company in 2018, was named president and chief content officer of the combined unit. She will report to the company's chairman and chief executive officer, Ynon Kreiz. "Our vision for Mattel Studios is to collaborate with leading creators to make standout quality content based on Mattel's iconic brands that will resonate in culture and appeal to global audiences," Kreiz said in a statement. Mattel's biggest brand is Barbie and its portfolio also includes Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Matchbox , Masters of the Universe , Polly Pocket and Uno. "Barbie," the 2023 film starring Margo Robbie and Ryan Gosling, grossed more than $1.4 billion in worldwide box office and received nine Oscar nominations. Mattel plans to release "Masters of the Universe," a live-action film inspired by the He-Man action figures, in June 2026, and "Matchbox," based on its miniature cars, is slated for a fall 2026 theatrical release The company has also developed television content like the animated series "Hot Wheels Let's Race" and "Masters of the Universe: Revolution." Jennifer Breslow, who previously was president of television and digital media at Legendary Entertainment, was named head of television at Mattel Studios. Other upcoming projects include "Bob the Builder," the brand's first animated theatrical movie featuring actor and singer Anthony Ramos voicing the lead character. Mattel also has a live-action "Polly Pocket" film in its pipeline, based on the tiny 1980s dolls.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Mattel is combining film and television units to create Mattel Studios
By Danielle Broadway LOS ANGELES (Reuters) -Toy maker Mattel is combining its film and television units to form Mattel Studios, it said on Monday, as the company seeks to produce entertainment driven by its brands and potentially repeat the commercial success of the "Barbie" movie. Mattel Films President Robbie Brenner, who joined the company in 2018, was named president and chief content officer of the combined unit. She will report to the company's chairman and chief executive officer, Ynon Kreiz. 'Our vision for Mattel Studios is to collaborate with leading creators to make standout quality content based on Mattel's iconic brands that will resonate in culture and appeal to global audiences," Kreiz said in a statement. Mattel's biggest brand is Barbie and its portfolio also includes Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Matchbox, Masters of the Universe, Polly Pocket and Uno. "Barbie," the 2023 film starring Margo Robbie and Ryan Gosling, grossed more than $1.4 billion in worldwide box office and received nine Oscar nominations. Mattel plans to release "Masters of the Universe," a live-action film inspired by the He-Man action figures, in June 2026, and "Matchbox," based on its miniature cars, is slated for a fall 2026 theatrical release The company has also developed television content like the animated series "Hot Wheels Let's Race" and "Masters of the Universe: Revolution." Jennifer Breslow, who previously was president of television and digital media at Legendary Entertainment, was named head of television at Mattel Studios. Other upcoming projects include "Bob the Builder,' the brand's first animated theatrical movie featuring actor and singer Anthony Ramos voicing the lead character. Mattel also has a live-action 'Polly Pocket" film in its pipeline, based on the tiny 1980s dolls. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Metro
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
MCM Comic Con is still worth it for gamers even without EGX - Reader's Feature
A reader reports back from his time at MCM Comic Con in London and gets to play a lot of video and tabletop games, despite a lack of big name attendees. Last week I attended yet another MCM Comic Con at the ExCeL Centre in London, along with my son, who this year decided to dress up as Super Mario. As you all know by now, MCM Comic Con is a three-day celebration of all things popular culture. However, this year's show was not linked with EGX, as was the case at last October's exhibition, so there was less emphasis on video games – but there was still a lot on offer. Our first stop was the Mattel stand, where they were promoting Barbie, Masters of the Universe, and Hot Wheels. There was a sit-down setup of Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged on the PlayStation 5. This was one of the highlights of the day, as we ended up returning a few times in an attempt to win the race. I'll probably pick it up this up, as we enjoyed it so much. Up next was the chance to play Magic: The Gathering – Final Fantasy. This was one of the first opportunities to play the game before its release on 13th June. While I'd never properly played Magic before, I had dabbled in Final Fantasy's own trading card game but stopped some time ago. We played using the starter deck kits featuring Cloud and Sephiroth and battled it out, with me emerging victorious. The cards looked amazing and feature characters, weapons, spells, and locations from all 16 mainline Final Fantasy titles. The only downer was that there were no promo cards being handed out. The next port of call was Artist Alley, where hundreds of independent artists showcased their wares. I was after one in particular: Stanley 'Artgerm' Lau. I first came across his work while playing Marvel Snap. I had a quick chat with him and got him to sign some artwork prints of Tifa and Rogue. Sticking with Final Fantasy, I noticed actor Ben Starr on the show floor – the voice of Clive Rosfield, the protagonist of Final Fantasy 16. I didn't get a chance to speak with him, as he looked in a rush, probably due to the fact that he was part of the show with his Natural Six Dungeons & Dragons Actual Play panel. After lunch, we headed off to the Family Gaming Zone, where around 20 consoles were set up with a variety of family-friendly titles. Games that we sampled included Conduct TOGETHER! on the Nintendo Switch, a puzzle-type game where you manoeuvre trains and switch tracks to avoid collisions. Then, on to JellyCar Worlds, a driving and platforming game where you hav to work your way through various obstacles. It reminded me of both the Trials series and World Of Goo, with its physics-based gameplay. We proceeded to play Tower Of Babel – No Mercy, which was a shape-dropping game where the aim is to stack as high as possible. We played the co-op mode, where we each took turns placing rectangular-shaped blocks. On paper, that doesn't sound like the greatest game, but the dormant competitive side of me came out and I was desperate to beat a nine-year-old child. The last game of the day was Astro Duel 2. The two of us joined four other convention players in a mix of retro pixel platforming and spaceship battles. It's a combination of Smash Bros. and Asteroids, with players fighting fast on the ground or in the sky. Very hectic but a lot of fun – and great to play a six-person game with all players sitting alongside each other (although one kid did rage quit a few times!). Last call before heading home was the Bandai Namco zone. They had a strong showing, with multiple games available to try. It was great to see a major game publisher represented at the event. They were showcasing several Dragon Ball Z titles and Shadow Labyrinth, while Elden Ring: Nightreign was also on display – though sadly, not in a playable format. Finally, a quick spin on their gacha machines rounded off a wonderful day. More Trending Overall, another successful show and the next show's dates have already been released. MCM returns to ExCeL London this October, along with EGX, for another three-day celebration from 24–26 October. By reader Tom Pozzetti (eyetunes – PSN ID) The reader's features do not necessarily represent the views of GameCentral or Metro. You can submit your own 500 to 600-word reader feature at any time, which if used will be published in the next appropriate weekend slot. Just contact us at gamecentral@ or use our Submit Stuff page and you won't need to send an email. MORE: Why I'm taking a week off work for the Nintendo Switch 2 launch - Reader's Feature MORE: This week was low-key the worst in modern video game history – Reader's Feature MORE: Star Wars Battlefront 3 needs to have these new features - Reader's Feature
ITV News
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- ITV News
'Very surreal': Former Les Quennevais pupil on set with Hollywood stars for sci-fi remake
A Jersey -born actor has spoken to Les Quennevais pupils about preparing for his new role in a Hollywood remake of a beloved 1980s sci-fi series. James Wilkinson is playing Mekaneck in the live-action remake of Mattel's Masters of the Universe, which is set for release in 2026. James is currently halfway through filming the film, sharing the set with the likes of Idris Elba and Jared Leto. The actor returned to his old school to answer questions from aspiring performers, telling ITV News: "I've always said Les Quennevais is such a great, great school - it's lovely to be back." After playing roles in every school play he could get his hands on, James made acting a central part of his life as a teenager. He was a regular performer at the Arts Centre, Opera House, and the Jersey Eisteddfod and was part of the Samares Players. James explains: "I enjoyed doing athletics and rugby, but what I enjoyed doing more was acting, and people told me that I was good at it, so I carried on. "For anyone who hasn't had that theatre bug - that adrenaline rush - it's hard to explain, but that's what gets you hooked on acting initially." Though James is now performing on international screens, he says he was taken aback when he received the call offering him the role in Masters of the Universe. He said: "I was doing a job out in China at the time, so when I got the call from my agent, it was two o'clock in the morning. "The VPN wasn't working, the WiFi was rubbish, and I had to walk a kilometre down the road to a restaurant to use their WiFi to talk to the guy on the phone. "It was honestly a bit of a stress because I'd already accepted another job, so I had to cancel the job I'd accepted and go on to this one. "When all of the dust settled, finally, and I had time to reflect on what it actually meant, it was surreal." James continues: "You look back on doing productions at school, then going on to performing arts college, where you're young and excited and all of a sudden your whole life is consumed by performing and trying to get that next job and trying to make it. "And all of a sudden you're doing a film like this and you're part of something monumental and there's a lot of history to it and there's a lot of responsibility to the fans. "It doesn't seem real, even though we're halfway through filming now. "I guess I'm going to have that kind of pinch-me moment when I see it on the big screen, but for now, it's still very, very surreal." When asked what it was like rubbing shoulders with actors the calibre of Elba and Leto, James said: "For me, it's just a case of listening and looking at how they do things, trying to absorb everything that I can from those guys and trying to be as good as I can be with them. "That's what it's all about."
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Barbie dolls and other toys may cost more due to tariffs, Mattel warns
Days after President Donald Trump attempted to downplay rising prices by saying American children should make do with fewer possessions, one of the nation's largest toy manufacturers is warning of increased consumer costs. Mattel, the iconic maker of Barbie, said in its first quarter earnings report this week it plans to raise prices on American toys in direct response to the administration's new trade policies. "The company is operating in an uncertain macro-economic environment with significant volatility, including changes in global trade policy and U.S. tariffs," the Monday, May 5 report said. Along with Barbie, Mattel's most recognizable franchise brands include Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Thomas & Friends, Uno, Masters of the Universe, Matchbox, Monster High, Mega and Polly Pocket. Though an international brand, roughly half of Mattel's business is in the United States, according to Chief Financial Officer Anthony DiSilvestro. 'Two dolls instead of 30': Trump acknowledges prices will force consumers to cut back Though tariffs did not affect Mattel's first quarter earnings, the company said it is taking "mitigating actions" to offset potential impact of new tariffs. Along with price hikes, the toy giant says it plans to diversify its supply chain and take steps to further reduce its reliance on products from China. The company said in its May 5 earnings presentation that the evolving U.S. tariffs and volatile macroeconomic environment makes it difficult to predict sales for the rest of the year. DiSilvestro said in a March 13 conference that less than 40% of the company's total production this year is expected to come from China. The report did not include details about which Mattel products may end up more expensive in the coming months, but did project 40% to 50% of their products will cost $20 or less. The Trump administration has imposed tariffs totaling 145% on imports from China. Ten percent baseline tariffs on most other countries remain in effect, even though Trump delayed steeper reciprocal tariffs for 90 days, in addition to 25% tariffs on foreign automobiles, steel and aluminum. Trump, during an interview with NBC's "Meet the Press" that aired May 4, repeated the scenario of pricier dolls in his defense of tariff-induced price hikes, this time arguing little girls in the U.S. need to make do with fewer toys. The president has maintained that China will bear the brunt of his tariffs, yet in recent days has begun to openly acknowledge and downplay the real possibility of increased costs passed down to American shoppers. "I don't think that a beautiful baby girl needs – that's 11 years old – needs to have 30 dolls," Trump told "Meet the Press" host Kristen Welker. "I think they can have three dolls or four dolls because what we were doing with China was just unbelievable. We had a trade deficit of hundreds of billions of dollars with China." A week prior, Trump dismissed cost concerns in an interview with ABC, saying "the children will have two dolls instead of 30 dolls," and that "maybe the two dolls will cost a couple bucks more than they would normally." Contributing: Joey Garrison, USA TODAY. Kathryn Palmer is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at kapalmer@ and on X @KathrynPlmr. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Barbie doll costs could increase due to Trump tariffs, Mattel warns Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
