Mattel has 45 films based on its toys in development, including He-Man and Polly Pocket

Barbie is one of the most anticipated films of 2023, a mega-production with a talented creative team that has everything to become a global box office success. But the adventure of the young woman capable of being what she dreams of is only the beginning.

Via The New Yorker it is reported that Mattel has 45 movies in development, all based on its toy lines. It seems that the project with Margot Robbie is just the beginning of an extensive and very lucrative odyssey in the Hollywood film industry.

Mattel has its origins in 1945, when Harold “Matt” Matson and Elliot Handler founded the company in California.

However, it was in the 1950s that it established itself as a leader in the industry thanks to the launch of the iconic Barbie doll decades ago.

Over the years, Mattel has created numerous successful toys and franchises, including Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, Masters of the Universe, Polly Pocket, and more.

When in 2018 it was talked about for the first time of the Barbie movie with Margot Robbie, many in social networks reacted skeptically, why a production about the famous doll that changed the toy industry forever? Now Barbie is one of the most anticipated releases of July and a certain prospect to achieve hundreds of millions of dollars globally. The photographs of the shooting, together with the teaser trailer, presented in 2022, were enough to mesmerize Internet users, making the film a highly anticipated event; now it is only a matter of time to see its arrival at the box office.

But Mattel will not stop with Barbie, of course.

The new report reports that there are 45 films in development based on the toy company’s brands, some of the most renowned being Polly Pocket, He-Man: Masters of the Universe, American Girl, Magic 8 Ball, Major Matt Mason, Matchbox, Polly Pocket, Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots, Uno, View-Master, Barney the Dinosaur with Daniel Kaluuya and Hot Wheels by JJ Abrams; It is worth mentioning that only 13 of these projects have been officially announced, so there is still a long way to go before knowing each of the details.

Is a cinematographic universe in the name of Mattel coming up? This resource allows studios to expand and prolong the success of a franchise by connecting different films and characters in a shared narrative, which engages fans and creates a sense of continuity. The cinematographic universes allow a greater opportunity to generate income through the diversification of products, such as toys, video games, books and merchandising in general. They also foster the creation of a loyal and engaged fan base, which in turn increases interest and demand for new installments. These initiatives represent a creative and commercially viable strategy for Hollywood studios to maximize the potential of a franchise and take advantage of the power of storytelling and interconnectivity in the world of entertainment.

With the Barbie movie, Mattel starts its business on the right foot path in the development of live action projects for their toys. The doll is of vital importance to both Mattel and the world at large due to its cultural impact and its role as a toy icon. Since her launch in 1959, Barbie has been an iconic figure who has transcended generations and borders, inspiring girls and women around the world. Her influence on the toy industry has been revolutionary, setting standards for design, fashion, and aspirations that have helped shape the imagination and play of millions. Barbie, directed by Greta Gerwig, hits theaters on April 21.

July, will we see her rise to the top of the box office worldwide?