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First collaboration between Mattel Films and Blumhouse Productions,
the producer of Get Out, Ma, Halloween
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Film director Jeff Wadlow, whose work includes Kick-Ass 2, Truth or
Dare and the upcoming Fantasy Island, has signed on to
direct the production
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Sixth live-action film project Mattel Films has in development since
its creation nine months ago, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Masters
of the Universe®, American Girl® and View Master®
Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) today announced a partnership with Academy
Award®-nominated production company Blumhouse Productions to create a
live-action feature film based on the iconic, fortune-telling Magic 8
Ball®, selected by Time magazine as one of the 100
greatest toys of all time. The film will be directed by
critically-acclaimed director Jeff Wadlow, whose previous work includes
notable films such as Kick-Ass 2 and Truth or Dare. Wadlow
is writing the script with his collaborators, Jillian Jacobs and Chris
Roach.
This marks Mattel Film’s first partnership with independent powerhouse
Blumhouse Productions, whose films have grossed more than $3 billion at
the worldwide box office. The suspense-filled Magic 8 Ball movie will be
adapted for audiences worldwide. It also marks the sixth project Mattel
Films has in development, including plans to create feature films based
on Mattel’s Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Masters of the Universe®, American
Girl® and View Master® brands.
“Since the 1950s, Magic 8 Ball has inspired imagination, suspense and
intrigue across generations. This iconic toy has a built-in connection
with fans and untapped potential for storytelling,” said Robbie Brenner,
Mattel Films. “There are no partners better suited to tell the Magic 8
Ball story in collaboration with Mattel Films than Jeff Wadlow and
Blumhouse Productions, whose unique approach to the thriller genre has
captivated audiences worldwide and has gained widespread accolades.”
“As fans of Mattel and their iconic brands, we’re looking forward to
bringing Magic 8 Ball, one of their most celebrated toys, to life, and
playing against expectations in doing so,” said Jason Blum, founder of
Blumhouse Productions. “We look forward to partnering with Mattel Films
to put this project on the fast track to the big screen and create a
memorable experience for moviegoers.”
Blumhouse Productions has enjoyed broad recognition and massive box
office success for pioneering a new model of studio filmmaking, with its
focus on high-quality, micro-budget films. In the last decade, Blumhouse
has released well-known franchises such as Happy Death Day, The Purge,
Insidious, Ouija and Paranormal Activity, as well
as the Academy Award®-nominated films Whiplash, Get Out and
BlacKkKlansman.
About Mattel
Mattel is a leading global children's entertainment company that
specializes in design and production of quality toys and consumer
products. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire,
entertain and develop children through play. We engage consumers through
our portfolio of iconic franchises, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®,
American Girl®, Fisher-Price®, Thomas & Friends® and MEGA®, as well as
other popular brands that we own or license in partnership with global
entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television
content, gaming, music and live events. We operate in 40 locations and
sell products in more than 150 countries in collaboration with the
world's leading retail and technology companies. Since its founding in
1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in exploring the wonder of
childhood and empowering kids to reach their full potential. Visit us
online at www.mattel.com.
MAT-CORP
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