Mattel Launches Film Division (Mattel Films)

[imsounoriginal]

Mattel Launches Film Division, Names Oscar-Nominated ‘Dallas Buyers Club’ Producer Robbie Brenner As Head

Mattel, the popular toy company behind such brands as Barbie, Masters of the Universe, Hot Wheels and Thomas and Friends, is launching Mattel Films, a new division focused on developing and producing motion pictures based on the brand’s iconic franchises. Oscar-nominated producer Robbie Brenner has been appointed to lead Mattel Films as executive producer, reporting to Ynon Kreiz, Mattel’s chairman and CEO.

“Mattel is home to one of the world’s greatest portfolios of beloved franchises, and the creation of Mattel Films will allow us to unlock significant value across our IP,” said Kreiz. “Robbie is a gifted storyteller and a highly respected filmmaker with deep relationships in entertainment. She is the perfect leader to bring our celebrated brands to life.”

“Generations of children around the world have grown up with deep emotional connections to Mattel’s brands and characters,” said Brenner. “There are so many stories to be told and so many imaginations to be captured by these iconic brands, and I look forward to working with Ynon and his team to do so.”

Brenner was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture for Dallas Buyers Club, and her film Burden won the 2018 Sundance Film Festival Audience Award. Prior to Mattel, Brenner was the Partner and President of the film division at The Firm, as well as President of Production at Relativity Media. She also ran the classics division at Davis Entertainment, and previously, she held SVP roles at 20th Century Fox and Miramax. Brenner is also a member of the executive branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Brenner oversaw the production of dozens of movies, including Oscar winner The Fighter; the Snow White Adaptation Mirror Mirror starring Julia Roberts; the 3-D epic Immortals; as well as Nicholas Sparks book adaptions Dear John, starring Channing Tatum, and Safe Haven, with Josh Duhamel and Julianne Hough. Brenner was also pivotal in the acquisition of the Sundance documentary Catfish and Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s directorial debut Don Jon, starring Gordon-Levitt and Scarlett Johansson.

[Optimus-Prime-Rox]

There was talk of a Hot Wheels movie many years ago that John Dykstra was going to be working on after winning the Oscar for Spider-Man 2 but nothing ever came of that like many other projects that fell through the cracks over the years. Would definitely love to see a Go-Bots movie as part of this deal.

[imsounoriginal]

Masters of the Universe seems like the most obvious candidate. Wasn't there already a film in development?

I do remember talk of a Hot Wheels movie with Dykstra, but I guess Speed Racer put a hold on that.

[Optimus-Prime-Rox]

Originally Posted by imsounoriginal

Masters of the Universe seems like the most obvious candidate. Wasn't there already a film in development?

I do remember talk of a Hot Wheels movie with Dykstra, but I guess Speed Racer put a hold on that.

Yes there has been a new Masters Of The Universe in development for the past few years now but any progress so far is moving along at a snail's pace.

[Poya]

Hasbro can’t even get their crap together. What makes you think Mattel will do any better?

[starsteam]

There was a Dino Riders movie brought up a few years ago with no development since. Maybe it'll see new life here. Not that Mattel really needs it anymore, considering they have the Jurassic World license now.

[shinobipopcorn]

There have been American Girl movies since the early 2000s. Usually one a year, plus occasional additional ones for the other characters. I don't know who has been making the movies for them, but Mattel is the owner since buying Pleasant Company in 97. I have a lot of the dolls but never watched the films. Since I was a kid I preferred to play with the characters the way I imagined them and not the way they did.

(And I'm a girl in case you haven't figured it out yet. )

[Michael24]

I want an action-packed Food Fighters movie!

[trevanian]

Since Hanks never made that MAJOR MATT MASON movie, maybe it has reverted to Mattel?

Man, I have such a killer meta- notion for MMM, maybe FIRST MAN will lead to a run of space films. (yeah I KNOW, but a guy can hope.)

[Mr. Chaverria]

Originally Posted by Poya

Hasbro can’t even get their crap together. What makes you think Mattel will do any better?

This made me laugh.

I don't know wtf is up w/ Hasbro, so the reference is lost on me.. but the comment still made me laugh.

[Poya]

Originally Posted by Mr. Chaverria

This made me laugh.

I don't know wtf is up w/ Hasbro, so the reference is lost on me.. but the comment still made me laugh.

Mattel is the second biggest toy company in the world, first being Hasbro. Think of Mattel as the WB/Dominos/Pepsi to Hasbro’s Disney/Pizza Hut/Fanta.

[shinobipopcorn]

Originally Posted by Poya

Mattel is the second biggest toy company in the world, first being Hasbro. Think of Mattel as the WB/Dominos/Pepsi to Hasbro’s Disney/Pizza Hut/Fanta.

Poo-poo on Fanta until they bring melon Fanta to the states. Nectar of the gods.

[kylor]

Originally Posted by Michael24

I want an action-packed Food Fighters movie!

Yes!

[BluBonnet]

Mattel Combines Film & TV Units To Create Mattel Studios

Mattel, the global toy and family entertainment company behind Barbie, today announced the formation of Mattel Studios, which will bring the company’s film and television units together under the leadership of Robbie Brenner.

After nearly seven years as President of Mattel Films, Brenner has been elevated to President and Chief Content Officer of Mattel Studios, where her influence will expand beyond film and into television. She continues to report to Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ynon Kreiz, who said, “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. Robbie’s relationships, track record, and expertise in leading the creative process for brand-led content will strengthen Mattel’s position as a trusted partner for the world’s top creative talent across film and television. We look forward to Mattel Studios’ success under Robbie’s continued and expanded leadership.”