Barbie 2 – Will It Ever Happen?

Mattel doesn’t just own the rights to Barbie, but a whole host of popular toys. The company boasts some of the most recognizable intellectual property in the world. With the success of «Barbie,» it seems like Mattel is looking to also exploit its other brands, bringing a range of toy-based movies to fans. Reports suggest that the company is looking to create an entire Mattel Universe of movies. In fact, the company is thought to have as many as 45 films in various stages of development, with the likes of J.J. Abrams and Lena Dunham attached.

Upcoming Mattel movies that are currently in the pipeline include ones based on «Polly Pocket,» «Barney,» «Magic 8 Ball,» «Masters of the Universe,» «Hot Wheels,» and even «Uno.» Of the latter project, Forbes said: «Probably not the most obvious movie IP, but there is supposedly already a script for the film which will be a heist movie based around the Atlanta rap scene. Yes, really. Lil’ Yachty is reportedly in line for a starring role.»

Perhaps the most buzz-worthy of all the planned projects is the long-awaited «Masters of the Universe» reboot, which looks ideally placed to take on Marvel and DC in the blockbuster stakes. One thing’s for sure — Mattel is looking to take advantage of its already established fanbase. «The people who buy our products are not just consumers, they are fans,» Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz told Deadline. «And once you have an audience, more opportunities open up to engage with your fans in many ways and to create value from that engagement.»