Jon M. Chu Shifts Gears to Direct Live-Action 'Hot Wheels' Movie for Warner Bros.

Fresh off his monumental success in the Land of Oz, director Jon M. Chu is now ready to hit the gas. He is officially set to direct a live-action "Hot Wheels" movie for Warner Bros., bringing the iconic Mattel toy line to the big screen as a high-octane action film.

The news arrives at a time when Mattel is aggressively expanding its cinematic universe, fueled by the massive cultural impact and box office triumph of last year's BARBIE, which roared past $1.44 billion globally. While plot details for "Hot Wheels" remain under wraps, a press release promises the film will feature "some of the world's hottest and sleekest vehicles." This project joins a growing slate of toy-inspired movies in development, including adaptations of Barney, Polly Pocket, the card game Uno, and Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots.

"Hot Wheels has always been about more than speed — it's about imagination, connection, and the thrill of play," Chu said in a statement. "Bringing that spirit to the big screen is an incredible opportunity. I'm excited to create an adventure that honors Hot Wheels' legacy while driving it somewhere entirely new."

The Creative Team Behind the Wheel

Screenwriters Juel Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier, known for their work on CREED II and Netflix's THEY CLONED TYRONE, will pen the script. J.J. Abrams' Bad Robot Productions and Chu's own Electric Somewhere will produce the film, assembling a formidable team to steer the project.

Robbie Brenner, President and Chief Content Officer of Mattel Studios, expressed strong confidence in the chosen director. "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," Brenner stated. "His films are visual spectacles — true eye candy — but what sets them apart is how he weaves unforgettable narratives within those stunning frames."

Chu's Accelerating Career Trajectory

Jon M. Chu has a storied relationship with Warner Bros., having previously directed critically acclaimed hits like CRAZY RICH ASIANS and IN THE HEIGHTS. His most recent triumph, WICKED: PART ONE, became a global box office sensation, grossing over $700 million and securing 10 Oscar nominations. The highly anticipated second part, WICKED: FOR GOOD, is scheduled for release this November.

Beyond "Hot Wheels," Chu remains one of Hollywood's busiest directors, with numerous other projects on his packed schedule. These include a Play-Doh animated adventure, a Britney Spears biopic, an adaptation of the beloved Dr. Seuss book "Oh, the Places You'll Go," and another stage-to-screen musical, "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat."

With "Hot Wheels," Chu looks poised to deliver another visually stunning and high-energy cinematic experience, tapping into the imaginative spirit that has made the toy line a global phenomenon for generations.