Hot Wheels is the gold standard for toy cars. People of all ages, ranging from young toddlers to grandpas, collect Hot Wheels cars. Some people are so passionate about Hot Wheels that they have collections that number in the tens of thousands. Soon, the iconic toy car brand will head to the silver screen in a live-action Hot Wheels movie produced by J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot.

Mattel and Warner Bros. announced live-action adaptation of ‘Hot Wheels’

On Monday, Mattel and Warner Bros. announced a live-action adaptation of Hot Wheels via a press release. The announcement was light on specifics, but J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot signed on to produce it. It also stated that the movie “will bring to life this beloved, multi-generational franchise and showcase some of the world’s hottest and sleekest cars, monster trucks, and motorcycles.”

‘Hot Wheels’ film aims to capitalize on the iconic 54-year-old brand

Hot Wheels has an iconic place in both automotive culture and the toy industry. Mattel started building Hot Wheels cars in 1968, and it continues to be a huge success. With over eight billion vehicles sold, Hot Wheels is the best-selling toy in the world. Furthermore, Hot Wheels has been influential in automotive and pop culture with unique “collaborations with global leaders in automotive, streetwear, fashion, luxury, entertainment, gaming, action sports, and motorsports.”

With Hot Wheels drawing fans from many age groups and cultural arenas, the live-action film attempts to capitalize on the iconic brand. In the press release, Peter Dodd, the Vice President of Production at Warner Bros. Pictures, stated, “Today, we at Warner Bros. are thrilled to bring that imagination to the big screen with Robbie Brenner and the creative team at Mattel along with the ingenious minds of J.J. Abrams, Hannah Minghella, and the team at Bad Robot.”

Hannah Minghella, Bad Robot’s President of Motion Pictures, also elaborated on the Hot Wheels movie. She said, “Before Hot Wheels became the global household name it is today, it was the dream of Elliot Handler, who was inventing and building toy cars at home in his Southern California garage. It’s that imagination, passion, and risk-taking spirit that we want to capture in this film.”

Will J.J. Abrams direct the ‘Hot Wheels’ movie?

While J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot will produce the Hot Wheels movie, it’s unknown how involved he will be with it, including directing. Abrams is a divisive figure in the entertainment industry. He has undeniable talent, as seen in successful creations like Felicity, Alias, Mission Impossible III, and Lost (except for the controversial ending). However, he has some disappointing lows, especially for the critically-panned Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.

The press release only confirmed the people that will lead the Hot Wheels movie. This includes Mattel Films Vice President Kevin McKeon and Creative Executive Andrew Scannell, Warner Bros. Vice President Peter Dodd, and Bad Robot’s Minghella and Jon Cohen.

What is the release date of the live-action ‘Hot Wheels’ movie?

The targeted release of the live-action Hot Wheels movie is in 2023. We’ll have to wait and see how the film shapes up to be. Undoubtedly, interest in it will be very high. Also, while Hot Wheels movies and TV shows have been made before, none carried the clout that J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot brings.