‘Monster High’ Film in Development From Mattel and Universal Pictures M_Haris

Queue up your Fright Song, ghoulfriends! A “Monster High” film is officially in development.

Mattel, Inc. has partnered with Universal Pictures and Oscar-winning producer/screenwriter Akiva Goldsman under his banner, Weed Road, to develop a live-action theatrical film featuring an original story based on the popular fashion dolls imagined as the children of legendary monsters.

“’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,” Mattel Films president Robbie Brenner said. “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, the screenwriter of “A Beautiful Mind,” is also the creator of “The Crowded Room,” showrunner of “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” and the screenwriter of “Cinderella Man.” He’s next set to produce the upcoming sequels to “Constantine” and “I Am Legend.”

Brenner and Goldsman will produce. 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.

This isn’t the first time the popular franchise, first introduced in 2010, has brought its dolls to life. 15 animated TV specials and films were produced between 2010 and 2017. A new animated series, currently in its second season, premiered on Nickelodeon in 2022, and a live-action “Monster High: The Movie” was released on Nickelodeon and Paramount+ in 2022, with a sequel in 2023.

A previous big-screen adaptation from Universal and director Ari Sandel was being developed back in 2015, but fell apart.

Mattel’s other in-house IP getting the film treatment include 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.