Fresh off the success of Wicked which scored 10 Oscar nominations and over $756 million in global box office revenue director Jon M. Chu has officially signed on to bring Hot Wheels to life in a live-action feature for Mattel Studios and Warner Bros. Pictures.
The film will be produced by J.J. Abrams' Bad Robot, Chu’s Electric Somewhere, and Mattel Studios. Writing duties fall to Juel Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier, the duo behind Creed II and They Cloned Tyrone.
Although plot details are under wraps, the movie is described as a high-octane action film inspired by the legendary die-cast car brand. Expect sleek rides, imaginative stunts, speed racing, and a storyline that fuses speed with heart.
Chu shared his excitement in a statement:
"Hot Wheels has always been about more than speed... it’s about imagination, connection and the thrill of play."
He promises to honor the brand’s legacy while introducing a bold new direction, likely combining dazzling visuals with a heartfelt narrative something he’s known for in Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights.
Mattel Studios President Robbie Brenner echoed that sentiment, calling Chu the “ideal storyteller” for the job and praising his ability to create "visual spectacles" that are "woven with unforgettable narratives."
Launched in 1968 by Mattel co-founder Elliot Handler, Hot Wheels was created as a high-performance alternative to Matchbox. Since then, it has sold over 8 billion cars worldwide and evolved into a cultural powerhouse with crossovers in fashion, gaming, and motorsports.
Mattel and Warner Bros. first announced the film project back in 2022. Now, with Chu, Abrams, Taylor, and Rettenmaier on board, it’s clear the film is moving full speed ahead.
While it’s easy to draw comparisons to the Fast & Furious franchise, this Hot Wheels movie is expected to have a family-friendly tone, staying true to the brand’s origins. Chu’s comments about imagination and connection suggest the film may explore the creative spirit of Hot Wheels’ iconic orange tracks, loops, and gravity-defying stunts all through the lens of a more heartfelt story.
With the second part of Wicked Wicked: For Good releasing in November 2025, fans should expect more Hot Wheels updates in late 2025 or early 2026 as production shifts into high gears.
Key Team Behind Hot Wheels Movie
Director: Jon M. Chu (Wicked, In the Heights)
Writers: Juel Taylor & Tony Rettenmaier (They Cloned Tyrone)
Producers: J.J. Abrams (Bad Robot), Jon M. Chu (Electric Somewhere), Robbie Brenner (Mattel Studios)
Studio Partners: Mattel Studios, Warner Bros. Pictures
With Jon M. Chu in the driver’s seat and a strong creative team behind it, the Hot Wheels live-action movie could be a fresh, fun entry into the world of racing films one that brings nostalgic energy to a new generation of fans.
Stay tuned for more news about the Hot Wheels film in the coming months!