Jon M. Chu to Direct Live-Action Hot Wheels Movie for Mattel

Following the massive success of Barbie, Mattel and Warner Bros. Pictures are once again teaming up to bring another iconic toy brand to life. A live-action Hot Wheels movie is officially in development, with Wicked director Jon M. Chu set to helm the high-octane project.

Announced Monday, July 7, the film marks another high-profile collaboration between Mattel and Bad Robot Productions, led by J.J. Abrams, alongside Chu’s own Electric Somewhere production company. Writers Juel Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier, known for their work on Creed II and They Cloned Tyrone, will pen the script.

Jon M. Chu Promises Imagination and Heart

In a statement, Chu emphasized that Hot Wheels is about more than just speed.
“Hot Wheels has always been about imagination, connection, and the thrill of play,” the director said. “Bringing that spirit to the big screen is an incredible opportunity.”

The Crazy Rich Asians filmmaker added that he’s thrilled to join forces with Mattel Studios, Warner Bros. Pictures, and Bad Robot. “We want to create an adventure that honors the brand’s legacy while steering it into fresh territory.”

Mattel Studios President Robbie Brenner praised Chu’s storytelling ability, calling him “the ideal storyteller to bring Hot Wheels to life.” She added, “His films are visual spectacles, true eye candy, but it’s the heart he brings that makes them unforgettable.”

The Creative Team Behind the Wheel

Abrams, who is producing alongside Gregg Taylor and Dr. Seuss Enterprises on another of Chu’s upcoming projects, an animated adaptation of Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, expressed equal excitement about the team’s vision for Hot Wheels.
“Having Jon, Juel, and Tony come aboard takes our excitement to a whole new level,” Abrams said.

Taylor and Rettenmaier’s past work blends action with grounded emotional storytelling a tone that fans may see in Hot Wheels as well.

Mattel’s Expanding Cinematic Universe

Mattel Studios continues to expand its cinematic universe following the success of Barbie. Live-action adaptations of Masters of the Universe and Matchbox are both slated for 2026 releases. No release date has been announced yet for Hot Wheels.

With Jon M. Chu in the director’s seat and a powerhouse creative team onboard, fans can expect a turbocharged adventure that pushes the limits of imagination and nostalgia.

Fan Reactions

Online, fans expressed excitement about the announcement, especially given Chu’s history with visually spectacular projects.
“I will be seated in a theatre on opening day,” one user posted on X (formerly Twitter).

i will be seated in a theatre on opening day

— 🖤 SOURtoBurn is a tortured poet • (Fan Account) (@SOURtoBurn) July 7, 2025

There was even a pole wagers on X asking folks who they wanted to see casted the most in the film and a whopping result landed Lightning McQueen from Cars at the top of the list.