Hollywood Looks to Toys for Movie Inspiration: What’s Coming Next?
2023 saw the release of the Barbie movie, which proved to be a massive hit, raking in over a billion dollars at the box office. Hot on its heels, Mattel wasted no time brainstorming ways to bring more of its iconic toys to life on the big screen, and they aren’t alone—other companies are jumping on the bandwagon too.
Mind you, there’s a rich history of board games and toys being adapted into films and shows. Take Dungeons & Dragons, for instance, a game with a strong narrative foundation that has been reimagined multiple times for the cinema. Yet some of the upcoming projects based on toys and games have left many scratching their heads, wondering how they’ll work.
Catan: Multiple Series on the Horizon
Catan, once known as Settlers of Catan, is a well-loved board game where players establish settlements, build roads, and trade resources like wood and wheat to dominate the board. Netflix is set to develop both scripted and unscripted series centered around this game. While specifics are scarce, the possibilities are intriguing. Imagine a period drama featuring settlers in the Catan world or a quirky romantic comedy where a couple meets over a game and names their kids after resources like Brick and Ore. Who knows? These adaptations might just become Netflix’s next big sensation, especially since we could use fresh content after Stranger Things takes a break.
Monopoly: A Financial Powerhouse
We all know how to navigate a game of Monopoly, buying properties and trying to bankrupt opponents—often leading to family squabbles. In 2024, Lionsgate will join forces with Margot Robbie’s production company, LuckyChap, to produce a Monopoly movie. Details are still under wraps, but Lionsgate executive Adam Fogelson hinted at a "clear point of view" from LuckyChap. It’s anyone’s guess as to the plot, but a bold move would be to create a mashup reminiscent of The Lego Movie crossed with Wall Street.
Magic 8 Ball: A Mysterious TV Series
The Magic 8 Ball has long been a source of humor—ask a question, shake it up, and hope for a useful response. Now, M. Night Shyamalan is adapting this quirky toy into a TV series, with a pilot already in the works. Given Shyamalan’s knack for suspense, this could venture into horror territory, perhaps involving a possessed Magic 8 Ball that leads characters down dark paths. But with its family-friendly origins, can we really expect that kind of twist?
Uno: A High-Stakes Game
Uno is a fast-paced card game where the goal is simple: be the first to play all your cards—though it can quickly become chaotic. Marcy Kelly is penning the script, but it’s unclear how a movie based on the game’s premise will unfold. One possibility is a plot centered around an intense, high-stakes game that unexpectedly costs the protagonist everything.
Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots: A Box Office Punch
The concept of adapting Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots seems more straightforward. A script is in the works by Ryan Engle, with Vin Diesel set to star. Fans might recall the 2011 film Real Steel, where remote-controlled robots took center stage, and a similar approach might work for this adaptation.
Hot Wheels and Matchbox: Double the Fun
Hot Wheels and Matchbox are two iconic toys owned by Mattel, yet they’re developing separate films. Hot Wheels will be helmed by Jon M. Chu, while Matchbox finds itself under the direction of Sam Hargrave. Given their similarities, fans are curious if the two films will diverge significantly or take a similar route.
View-Master: A Trip Down Memory Lane
The View-Master offers a nostalgic experience, allowing users to cycle through slides for a mini adventure. In a world dominated by smart devices, translating this into a live-action film poses a unique challenge. Speculation surrounds whether the protagonist will be immersed in each slide’s world, but the details remain a mystery.
What’s Next?
These examples are just the tip of the iceberg. Many other adaptations are lined up, such as Thomas the Tank Engine, Polly Pocket, and Masters of the Universe—projects that generally lend themselves more easily to screen time. The remaining adaptations, however, leave us guessing how they’ll translate to film.
In the meantime, if you’re itching to catch the film that sparked this trend, you can find Barbie streaming on HBO Max along with a plethora of other exciting titles.
