A live-action movie based on Toys ‘R’ Us has officially been announced. The toy company was founded by Charles Lazarus, and opened brick-and-mortar locations in 1957. For years, the company was one of the most prominent retailers for toy sales, before filing for bankruptcy in 2018 and closing its stores. Now, the company’s products can only be purchased online and in shop-in-shops through retailers like Macy’s.
Per Variety, development is underway for a Toys ‘R’ Us live-action movie. The movie is a co-production of Story Kitchen and Toys “R” Us Studios, but the exact plot is yet to be revealed. Producers include Dmitri M. Johnson, Mike Goldberg, Timothy I. Stevenson, and Elena Sandoval. Toys ‘R’ Us Studios president Kim Miller Olko stated that “It will be a journey as boundless as play itself, evoking the electric sense of wonder that is the essence of Toys’R’Us.” Check out Olko’s full quote below:
“As Toys’R’Us’ first film, this project is an exciting opportunity to bring the magic of our brand to the big screen. It will be a journey as boundless as play itself, evoking the electric sense of wonder that is the essence of Toys’R’Us. This story will capture the imagination, adventure and joy that has made Toys’R’Us a destination for kids of all ages.”
What This Means For The Toys ‘R’ Us Movie
One Of The Producers Worked On Sonic The Hedgehog
Already, the Toys “R” Us movie is making big promises, comparing itself to films like Night at the Museum, Back to the Future, and Big. It has also been said to take inspiration from toy-inspired movies like Barbie and Jumanji. Barbie made over $1 billion upon its release in 2023, so it is no surprise that companies outside of Mattel would want to follow suit. Mattel has announced multiple toy-based movies, including films based on Matchbox, View-Master, and American Girl Doll. As such, the Toys ‘R’ Us movie is the latest in this toy-based trend.
Johnson will be a particularly key producer for the Toys ‘R’ Us movie. Johnson has served as the producer on all three Sonic the Hedgehog movies, which have done quite well in theaters. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 made $491.9 million at the worldwide box office, making it the most financially successful movie in the series. These video game-based films may not be toy-inspired, but Johnson’s proven skill with kid-targeted adventure stories could certainly be harnessed for the Toys ‘R’ Us movie.
Our Take On The Toys ‘R’ Us Movie
Toys Have Been Brought To Life On-Screen Before
I will be interested to learn what the plot will be for the Toys ‘R’ Us movie. Comparing itself to Night at the Museum is an interesting choice, as that movie shows what would happen if museum exhibits came to life. Toy-wise, this concept has already been played out with Pixar’s Toy Story movies, so bringing toys to life for live-action seems like it would not provide a very new plot. As such, it will be fascinating to see what Toys ‘R’ Us Studios comes up with in making this movie.
Source: Variety
