Jon M. Chu has signed on to direct a live-action adaptation of Mattel’s iconic toy car brand Hot Wheels. The film is set for release in November, with the back half of the two-part musical Wicked also coming out around the same time. Chu will be working alongside writer-director duo Juel Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier, who penned the script for the project.
Mattel Studios’ President and Chief Content Officer Robbie Brenner praised Chu’s ability to craft “rich, elaborate worlds with a distinct point of view,” saying he is the ideal storyteller to bring Hot Wheels to life. The film will showcase some of the world’s hottest and sleekest vehicles, but plot details remain under wraps.
The project reunites Chu with Warner Bros and Bad Robot, with whom he is currently working on Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, an animated adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ classic story. Mattel Studios has recently announced a number of other feature adaptations, including Whac-A-Mole and View-Master.
Chu expressed his excitement about bringing Hot Wheels to the big screen, saying it’s an opportunity to capture the “heart, adrenaline, and spirit” of the brand while driving it in a new direction. The film is expected to be an action-packed adventure that honors the legacy of Hot Wheels.
Hot Wheels was introduced by Mattel co-founder Elliot Handler in 1968 as a performance-oriented alternative to Matchbox cars. The brand has since sold over 8 billion vehicles worldwide and proven its influence in automotive and pop culture.
Source: https://deadline.com/2025/07/jon-m-chu-hot-wheels-movie-warner-bros-1236450531