Mattel, MGM see movie potential in View-Master

The newly minted film division is diving into its fifth live-action feature, this time based on the National Toy Hall of Fame recipient.
February 27, 2019

Mattel films is partnering, for a second time, with Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures to develop a live-action film based on one of its toy properties, this time for View-Master.

The 75-year-old plaything uses thin cardboard disks containing 3D pairs of transparent color photographs that, when placed in the headset, come to life. It largely featured images of tourist attractions and well-known sites from across the globe, and was named one of the 100 All Time Greatest Toys by TIME in 2011. Mattel then updated the toy as the View-Master VR in 2015 for US$29.99 (significantly cheaper than other virtual reality headsets) to bring the slide projector to the next generation.

Mattel’s theatrical film division, which just launched last September led by producer Robbie Brenner, will co-produce the movie with MGM. Brenner and Cassidy Lange, MGM’s co-president of production will oversee the production.

The two companies also recently partnered to develop a live-action film based on Mattel’s line of American Girl books and dolls. Brenner and Lange are both overseeing production on that as well, and it will be co-produced with Picturestart’s Erik Feig.

View-Master is now part of a large catalogue of films that Mattel is developing including partnering with Warner Bros. for live-action movies for Barbie and a Hot Wheels. It is also teaming up with Sony Pictures for a Masters of the Universe reboot.

Want to hear more about Mattel’s film plans? Check back tomorrow for a Q&A with Brenner

About The Author
Alexandra Whyte is Kidscreen's News & Social Media Editor. Contact her at awhyte@brunico.com

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