Hollywood Takes a Spin: Hot Wheels Movie Gets Jon M. Chu in the Director’s Seat
Get ready for the kind of racing that’s miles beyond any living room floor. Mattel Studios and Warner Bros. Pictures are revving up for a big-budget, live-action Hot Wheels film, and they’ve handed the keys to Jon M. Chu. You probably know Chu from splashy hits like Crazy Rich Asians, the musical In the Heights, and his upcoming adaptation of Wicked. But toy car fans everywhere are now wondering: what’s about to happen when those iconic miniatures go full throttle on the big screen?
The film isn’t just about showing off sleek rides or daring power slides. At its heart, the team wants Hot Wheels to spark feelings of awe, connection, and possibility—the same way the brand has fueled imaginations for generations. "Hot Wheels has always been about more than speed," Chu explained. "It’s about imagination, connection, and the thrill of play." He’s not just talking tire marks—he wants to bottle up that childhood energy and blast it across the theater.

Star-Powered Production and Writing Team
This is no small-stakes project. J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot Productions is joining forces with Chu’s Electric Somewhere and Mattel Studios to produce the film. Abrams, whose credits read like a list of Hollywood’s favorite blockbusters, says he’s thrilled to collaborate with Chu and the rest of the creative team. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when Abrams’ sense of spectacle mixes with the pure fun of Hot Wheels, you’ll probably want to see for yourself.
Writers Juel Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier, best known for scripts like Creed II and They Cloned Tyrone, are tasked with translating the fast-paced chaos of toy car races into a script that works for families and lifelong fans. Early word hints at “high-octane action” and “sleek vehicular stunts,” but there’s just as much focus on themes like teamwork and creativity.
Mattel Studios president Robbie Brenner can’t wait to see Chu's vision in action. She’s highlighted his ability to balance wild visuals with heartfelt plots—the kind that stick with you long after the end credits roll. Warner Bros. Pictures president Jesse Ehrman considers Chu a “visionary director” and is betting that his unique style is exactly what this franchise needs.
- The film will be an action adventure, aiming for edge-of-your-seat thrills and big emotional moments.
- The project is a joint effort between major film giants and toy industry leaders, showing real commitment to making Hot Wheels a global movie event.
- No plot details for now, but set expectations for creativity and spectacle.
- Hot Wheels has a massive worldwide fanbase, so anticipation is already building—even with so much still under wraps.
For anyone who’s ever lined up their Hot Wheels on an orange plastic track, made engine noises, and zoomed them through impossible stunts, the announcement is enough to spark some old-school excitement. All eyes are now on Chu and his team to see how far they’ll push the envelope—and just what kind of wild ride they’ll deliver for both new fans and grown-up collectors alike.