Mattel Studios is on fire, and its president, Robbie Brenner, is fanning the flames. Fresh off the heels of the Barbie phenomenon, the toy giant is doubling down on its Hollywood ambitions with a slate of projects that’s nothing short of jaw-dropping. From Polly Pocket to Masters of the Universe, Mattel is proving it’s not just a toy company—it’s a storytelling powerhouse. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can Mattel replicate the cultural impact of Barbie with its other franchises? And this is the part most people miss: the company is betting big on both nostalgia and innovation, blending iconic toys with A-list talent and visionary filmmakers.
In a recent chat with The Hollywood Reporter at MIPCOM, Brenner spilled the beans on Mattel’s upcoming lineup. Picture this: a Polly Pocket live-action film starring Lily Collins, with Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine on board. Or how about Masters of the Universe, directed by Travis Knight and starring Idris Elba, hitting theaters in June 2026? And let’s not forget Ayo Edebiri’s Barney script for A24, produced by Daniel Kaluuya, or Jon M. Chu’s Hot Wheels movie at Warner Bros. Even Matchbox is getting the big-screen treatment, with Sam Hargrave directing John Cena and Jessica Biel for Apple. But the real head-scratcher? A Magic 8 Ball TV series, helmed by none other than M. Night Shyamalan and written by American Horror Story’s Brad Falchuk.
‘He’s truly wonderful,’ Brenner gushed about Shyamalan. ‘I don’t think he ever gets involved with anything he’s not passionate about. His conviction is palpable, and it shows in everything he does.’ While details about the Magic 8 Ball series are still under wraps, Brenner confirmed she’s read Falchuk’s pilot script and is confident it’ll captivate audiences. ‘We all want to know what our destiny is, right?’ she teased. But here’s the question: Can a toy known for its simplicity translate into a compelling TV series? Or will it feel like a gimmick?
Brenner also shared her awe at the scale of Masters of the Universe. ‘It was massive,’ she recalled of her set visit. ‘Even bigger than Barbie. Eight-foot-tall characters, crazy costumes—it’s a visual feast.’ After seeing a director’s cut, she’s convinced it’ll be a perfect complement to Barbie. ‘It’s so much fun and feels so different,’ she promised.
Speaking of Barbie, Mattel’s 2023 blockbuster didn’t just rake in $1.4 billion—it became a cultural juggernaut, earning eight Oscar nominations. ‘It blew the doors open for us,’ Brenner admitted. ‘People realize Mattel is here, and we mean business. We’re not just making toys; we’re telling great stories.’ But is Hollywood ready for a Mattel-dominated landscape? Or will audiences grow fatigued by the toy-to-film trend?
Brenner isn’t worried. With Mattel Studios now housing both TV and film under one roof, she sees endless possibilities. ‘We took a bold swing with Barbie and were rewarded for it,’ she said. ‘People realize we can laugh at ourselves. Not everything has to be so serious.’
From American Girl to Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots (starring Vin Diesel), Brenner’s slate is a juggling act of simmering and boiling projects. ‘I’m excited about all of them,’ she said, refusing to play favorites. ‘Polly Pocket is really fun, Barney is heartwarming, and Hot Wheels with Jon M. Chu? Who wouldn’t be thrilled?’
With a background in indie film—including the Oscar-winning Dallas Buyers Club—Brenner knows a good story when she sees one. ‘I respond to storytelling and exciting voices,’ she explained. ‘Look at recent Best Picture winners like Everything Everywhere All At Once and Parasite—they’re indie, polarizing, and emotionally resonant. That’s what we’re aiming for.’
So, what’s next for Mattel? With MIPCOM Cannes 2025 on the horizon, one thing’s clear: the toy giant isn’t slowing down. But as Mattel continues to dominate Hollywood, we have to ask: Are these projects genuine creative endeavors, or just cash grabs riding on nostalgia? Let us know what you think in the comments—we’re all ears.
