If there’s one thing that audiences can always count on, it’s the idea of toys getting their own movie. FromTransformersto whateverBattleshipwas supposed to be, small hunks of plastic have proven to be a wondrous inspiration for the creativity of film executives.
The latest hero to join these ranks is none other than the popularMatchboxline of toy cars. Looks likethe upcomingBarbiemovieisn’t the only playroom mainstay moving on up. Skydance is partnering with the film division of Mattel to bring the zippy little vehicles to the big screen, and it’s almost surprising it took this long. Now it seems like all that’s left is PEZ.
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For those unfamiliar,Matchboxcars have been a staple in toy chests around the world since their inception in 1953. Named for the original packaging for the cars in boxes that resembled those that held matches, they gained popularity over the years for their simplicity and, eventually, wide range of products including model kits and action figures alongside the small cars themselves. Mattel, which has owned the brand since 1997, continues to make the impressive claim that oneMatchboxcar is sold every second.
David Coggeshall, who worked onMTV’sScream: The Seriesand the upcomingOrphan: First Kill, is on board to write the screenplay for theMatchboxmovie, likely leading to some interesting questions about what to expect from a film about plastic racers. But he isn’t the only one bringing some solid history to the table. Mattel itself already has a big plate of movies in the works, even aside fromBarbie. Meanwhile, Skydance is currently riding high with the success of itsbeloved sequelTop Gun: Maverick.
At first glance, it might be difficult to imagine how someone could make an entire movie out of such a simple toy concept. With all its other products that it continues to introduce,Matchboxis still a toy car company at its core. But ifG.I. Joecan spawn an (arguably) successful multimedia franchise, then surely audiences will turn out to see what will probably be a pretty exciting racing movie.
Odds are it will probably be family-friendly too, andthe Wachowskis’Speed Racerproved there’s a lot that talented filmmakers can do with such a formula. So this is just one more thing to look forward to in a world where not every movie has to be a serious ordeal for the sake of Oscar season. Here’s hoping it turns out to be just the kind of enjoyable romp that audiences need.
