Mattel Studios is on fire, and Robbie Brenner, the mastermind behind its explosive growth, is spilling the beans on some of the most exciting projects in Hollywood. But here’s where it gets controversial: can Mattel replicate the cultural phenomenon of Barbie with its other iconic brands? Fresh off her appearance at MIPCOM, Brenner sat down with The Hollywood Reporter to discuss Mattel’s ambitious slate, and let’s just say, the future looks dazzling.
Among the highlights? A Polly Pocket live-action film starring Lily Collins, with Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine on board, and Masters of the Universe, directed by Travis Knight, featuring Nicholas Galitzine, Camila Mendes, and Idris Elba, set to hit theaters in June 2026 via Amazon MGM. And this is the part most people miss: Ayo Edebiri has penned a Barney movie script for A24, produced by Daniel Kaluuya, while Jon M. Chu is crafting a live-action Hot Wheels film at Warner Bros. Meanwhile, Sam Hargrave is currently filming a Matchbox movie starring John Cena and Jessica Biel for Apple.
But the real head-turner? Mattel’s announcement of a Magic 8 Ball TV series, directed by none other than M. Night Shyamalan, with Glee and American Horror Story mastermind Brad Falchuk writing the pilot. Here’s the bold part: Brenner revealed that Shyamalan’s involvement wasn’t just a lucky break—he actively sought out Mattel’s IP because he felt a genuine connection to it. ‘He has serious conviction,’ Brenner said. ‘His passion is palpable in everything he does.’
While Brenner kept the specifics of the Magic 8 Ball series under wraps, she confirmed she’s read Falchuk’s pilot script and is thrilled with the direction. ‘Everyone’s intrigued by the 8 Ball,’ she noted. ‘We all want to know what our destiny is, right?’
During her MIPCOM session, Brenner also teased Masters of the Universe, calling it ‘massive’—even bigger than Barbie in scale. ‘I just saw a director’s cut, and it’s absolutely blown me away,’ she gushed. ‘It’s a perfect complement to Barbie—fun, fresh, and utterly different.’
Speaking of Barbie, Mattel’s 2023 blockbuster not only raked in over $1.4 billion globally but also became a cultural juggernaut, earning eight Oscar nominations. Here’s the controversial question: Can Mattel’s other projects capture the same magic? Brenner thinks so. ‘Barbie blew the doors open for us,’ she said. ‘People realize we’re a force. We’re here to tell great stories.’
But it’s not all smooth sailing. Leading Mattel’s jam-packed slate feels like ‘having a lot of pots on the stove,’ Brenner admitted. Upcoming projects include a live-action American Girl film and Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots with Vin Diesel at Universal. When asked to pick a favorite, she demurred, though she did express particular excitement for Polly Pocket and Barney. ‘Who wouldn’t be excited to work with Jon M. Chu and J.J. Abrams?’ she quipped.
Brenner’s indie film background—including her work on Dallas Buyers Club—has shaped her approach to storytelling. ‘I respond to different, exciting voices,’ she said. ‘Look at recent Best Picture winners like Everything Everywhere All At Once and Parasite—they’re polarizing, indie-driven stories that resonate emotionally.’
So, what’s next for Mattel? With television and film now under one umbrella, Brenner sees ‘endless possibilities.’ But here’s the real question for you: Can Mattel’s bold swing with Barbie be matched by its other franchises? Or is Barbie a once-in-a-lifetime hit? Let us know in the comments—we’re all ears!
