• by Wayne Friedman , June 3, 2025

Looking to build on its success with “Barbie” two summers ago for its other major toy brands, Mattel has announced the formation of Mattel Studios.

Mattel will be combining its existing film and television units to produce and foster new entertainment efforts.

Two upcoming projects in the works are "Masters of the Universe" -- a live-action film based on the He-Man action figures, in June 2026, and "Matchbox" -- based on its miniature cars, scheduled for a fall 2026 theatrical release.

Other Mattel brands include Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, Thomas & Friends, American Girl, UNO, Polly Pocket and Monster High.

Longer-term projects to come include "Bob the Builder,” the brand’s first animated theatrical movie, and a live-action “Polly Pocket" film based on the tiny 1980s dolls.

Robbie Brenner, president of Mattel Films, will be president and chief content officer of the combined unit, reporting to the company's chairman and CEO Ynon Kreiz.

In the summer of 2023, Warner Bros. released “Barbie,” driving a highly successful theatrical movie business that rocketed to a global $1.4 billion in box-office revenues, and $636.2 million in North America --- the highest grossing worldwide and U.S./Canada theatrical movie of that year.

"Our vision for Mattel Studios is to collaborate with leading creators to... appeal to global audiences," said Kreiz in a statement.

This story has been updated.