“Hot Wheels has always been about more than speed—it’s about imagination, connection and the thrill of play,” Chu said in a statement (via Deadline). “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.”
Some version of Hot Wheels has been in development for more than a decade, but Bad Robot came on board for the film, described as a “high-throttle actioner” featuring “some of the world’s hottest and sleekest cars, monster trucks, and motorcycles,” back in 2022. (If you want some more Hot Wheels foreshadowing, check out the very fun opening credits sequence for Abrams’ Duster.) Juel Taylor & Tony Rettenmaier (Creed II, They Cloned Tyrone) will pen the script for the movie, which also marks the second collaboration between Chu and Bad Robot (they’re working on an adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ Oh, The Places You’ll Go). “We already felt incredibly lucky to collaborate with Mattel on this special film,” Abrams said in his own statement. “Having Jon, Juel and Tony come aboard takes our excitement to a whole new level.”
“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,” said Mattel Studios’ President and Chief Content Officer Robbie 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. 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.”
