Mattelthe toy company behind brands (and films) like Barbie and Masters of the Universeis now thinking about making a film based on another of its exclusive products: See-Master.
The durable children’s toy has been on store shelves for decades. The user looks through the gadget’s eye holes to view 3D images that are stored on interchangeable disks inserted into a slot on the back. While there are many View-Master discs inspired by films, this would (obviously) be the first film inspired by the View-Master itself.
The press release states that the film will be “a live-action feature film” based “on the stereoscopic viewing device (which) has been a popular childhood product for generations and has taken its fans around the world with its image. 3-D reels, creating worlds of imagination and storytelling for all adventurers at heart.”
READ MORE: Margot Robbie is doing a Monopoly Film
The press release doesn’t really give any indication of what a movie based on a toy you look at might actually involve, although Todd Black, a producer on the project, came closest when he said: “View-Master has been a window into the wonders of the world, sparking the imagination of children and adults alike… (the project) gives us the chance to honor that legacy while creating an entirely new adventure for today’s audiences. We can’t wait to bring this precious toy’s sense of exploration to the big screen.”
Last year, BarbieBased on one of Mattel’s biggest properties, it became one of the most successful films of the 21st century, grossing $1.4 billion. No wonder more Mattel films are being considered.
Mattel is also developing a new Masters of the Universe film with Amazon, and they have been thinking for a long time one Barney film that would involve Oscar winner Daniel Kaluuya. Other Mattel products that have already received the big screen treatment include Maximum Steelstarring Ben Winchell.
The best films based on toys
Although they are sometimes associated with dastardly financial motives, there have been some really good films based on children’s toys.
Gallery credit: Claire Epting