Last year, Mattel experienced significant financial success largely due to the tremendous box office performance of director Greta Gerwig and actor Margot Robbie’s “Barbie” movie. While part of this success was attributed to the Barbenheimer phenomenon, Mattel promptly began deliberations on which toy would next be transformed into a cinematic venture. The decision-makers at Mattel have now settled on the View-Master as the subject of their upcoming film project.
According to Variety, Mattel is actively developing a live-action film focusing on the View-Master, a 1940s-era 3D stereoscopic toy. This project is being developed in collaboration with Sony Pictures and Escape Artists, which is known for films like “The Equalizer 3” and the long-delayed “Masters of the Universe” Amazon film. As of now, no directors, writers, or actors have been announced for the project.
Nevertheless, the absence of notable names attached to the View-Master movie has not dampened the enthusiasm of Mattel Films president Robbie Brenner and Escape Artist producer Todd Black. Brenner expressed the inspiration the View-Master has provided to generations, emphasizing the storytelling potential it offers for the film. She expressed excitement about collaborating with Sony Pictures Entertainment and Escape Artists to bring a modern take on this cherished toy to audiences worldwide. Echoing this sentiment, Todd Black highlighted the toy’s role in inspiring imagination and its legacy of exploration, envisioning a new adventure for contemporary audiences.
Though the announcement of a View-Master movie may not be the most thrilling ahead of New York Comic Con, Mattel has other forthcoming projects that have generated more excitement and have notable talent attached. These include a Hot Wheels movie directed by J.J. Abrams, a live-action “Barney” film with Daniel Kaluuya, a Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots movie featuring Vin Diesel, and an Uno-inspired action heist movie involving rapper Lil Yachty.
For Mattel, there is hope that these diverse projects will achieve success similar to that of “Barbie.” The casting for the View-Master movie remains a topic of interest.
