After the success of “Barbie,” Mattel went into overdrive and greenlit 14 movies, currently in development, based on games and toy lines.
One of those projects was “Polly Pocket,” directed by Lena Dunham, and with Lily Collins in the lead role. However, in 2024, Dunham, who had been developing the script for a few years, told The New Yorker that she left the project, citing creative differences.
Reports suggest that “Polly Pocket” now has a new director, Clea DuVall, and is being fast-tracked to start production this October in Atlanta.
What a promotion for DuVall, 48, once a character actress who went on to direct indies “The Intervention” (2016) and “Happiest Season” (2020), and is now in charge of steering the ship for the next big Mattel movie. Much like her first two directorial efforts, she wrote the script for “Polly Pocket.”
Other Mattel-based projects remain in various stages of development. Vin Diesel is attached to the “Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots” film, which is still without a completed script and does not yet have a director. M. Night Shyamalan has come on board to direct a “Magic 8 Ball” adaptation. A “Major Matt Mason” movie is also in the works, with Tom Hanks set to play the 1960s Mattel astronaut figure who lives and operates on the Moon. Meanwhile, a “Hot Wheels” film is moving forward with J.J. Abrams producing and Jon M. Chu attached to direct. Another project, a “Barney” movie from Daniel Kaluuya and Ayo Edebiri, is being developed at A24.
In addition to all those, the toy giant has other films in early development, including “Bob the Builder,” “Thomas & Friends,” and “UNO.” We’ll see if this attempt to spin toy and game IP into gold will succeed. I remain somewhat skeptical.
“Barbie” might have kickstarted an invasion of IP movies. DuVall is just a pawn in Mattel’s far-reaching Hollywood takeover plan.”
NOTE: It should be noted that Lily Collins has been attached to “Polly Pocket” since Lena Dunham came on board, but there’s no word yet on whether she is still set to play the titular role.
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