Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) has partnered with Universal Pictures and Academy Award-winning producer/screenwriter Akiva Goldsman under his banner, Weed Road, to develop Monster High, a live-action theatrical film featuring an original story based on the popular fashion dolls imagined as the children of legendary monsters.
First introduced in 2010, Monster High immediately became a beloved expansive universe rich with inclusive storytelling and doll play, fostering a fandom that spans generations. The brand continues to encourage fans of all ages to embrace their authentic selves and what makes them unique.
Robbie Brenner, president of Mattel Films, said, “Monster High helps fans discover the great beauty in being true to yourself and celebrates the unique sensibilities at the core of who we are as individuals. We’re proud to partner with Universal Pictures and the brilliant Akiva Goldsman to usher this important message to audiences worldwide.”
Goldsman, who is also a producer on Mattel Films’ Major Matt Mason starring Tom Hanks, added, “I’ve been fascinated by Monster High since my daughters were obsessed with the dolls as kids. I’m thrilled to once again join forces with Robbie Brenner and our friends at Mattel to help bring this iconic property to life.”
Goldsman is the Academy Award-winning screenwriter of A Beautiful Mind, whose critically acclaimed projects range from creator of The Crowded Room, showrunner of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, and screenwriter of Cinderella Man, to producer of several films in the blockbuster Paranormal Activity franchise and the upcoming sequels to Constantine and I Am Legend.
Producers of Monster High are Brenner and Goldsman. Overseeing the project are Kevin McKeon and Arturo Thur De Koos for Mattel and Greg Lessans for Weed Road. Universal Pictures’ SVP of production Lexi Barta and creative executive of production development Jacqueline Garell are overseeing the project for the studio.
Mattel Film’s vision is to collaborate with leading filmmakers to make standout quality movies based on its iconic brands that will resonate in culture and appeal to global audiences. In addition to Monster High, Mattel Films has feature films in development for its IP including American Girl, Barney, Hot Wheels, Bob the Builder, Magic 8 Ball, Major Matt Mason, Masters of the Universe, Matchbox Polly Pocket, Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots, Thomas & Friends, UNO, View-Master, and Wishbone. Mattel Films is also developing Christmas Balloon, a holiday family drama based on all-new IP.
Goldsman is represented by CAA, TFC Management, and Hansen Jacobsen Teller.
Emmy Awards ratings up more than 50%, reversing record lows
The Emmys telecast on ABC reached nearly 7 million viewers, a jump of more than 50%from the record low of the last ceremony in January and the biggest audience since 2021, according to numbers released Monday by the network.
Sunday night's 76th Primetime Emmy Awards, in which "Shogun," "Hacks" and "Baby Reindeer" won top awards, was back in its traditional mid-September spot after the rare January ceremony that was delayed four months by Hollywood's strikes.
That show, which aired on Fox, reached a record low audience of 4.3 million viewers.
ABC said Monday that the Sunday night show hosted by Eugene and Dan Levy reached 6.87 million viewers, a jump of 54% despite competition from NFL football.
The height-of-the-pandemic Emmys in 2020 on ABC, with no in-person audience and remote nominees, set a new low at the time with 6.1 million viewers. The show bounced back the following year with 7.4 million for CBS with help from an NFL game lead-in.
But NBC's 2022 telecast dropped to 5.9 million, followed by the further decline in January of this year.
The Emmys telecast rotates annually between the four broadcast networks.
The last time the Emmys reached more than 10 million viewers was 2018, when it drew in 10.2 million. The show had 21.8 million viewers in 2000, a level it's unlikely ever to reach again.
Read More