You’d think a movie about robots punching each other would be fairly easy to write. Sci-fi actioner, maybe a sports movie, with charismatic human stars. Hell, Real Steel did it in 2011. But the road to getting Mattel’s Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots movie off the ground has apparently been pretty tough. Fast and Furious franchise star Vin Diesel came on board the project all the way back in 2021 but nothing happened since then. Now, according to Deadline, Diesel is “Fine, I’ll do it myself”-ing it, adding writer to his list of credits along with star and producer.
Robbie Brenner, President of Mattel Studios and Chief Content Officer, who is also producing the movie, said, “Vin is a powerhouse storyteller with an unmatched understanding of action, heart, and world-building. His creative vision for Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots is bold, human, and deeply cinematic—exactly the kind of storytelling we love at Mattel Studios.”
Vin Diesel added, “I am excited to expand the Mattel universe by bringing this classic toy from my childhood to a modern audience by telling a story that examines the role of competition in a world often measured by strength and dominance that dares to reveal the power of compassion at its core.”
Mattel is hoping their Masters of the Universe live-action film does well next summer. The He-Man movie starring Nicholas Galitzine has a lot riding on it with perhaps the most name recognition following the success of Barbie. Also on the docket for the studio are movies for Matchbox, Polly Pocket, and the just-announced View-Master movie. Those are but three of the dozens of TBA projects. Mattel also owns the IPs Thomas the Tank Engine, Barney the Dinosaur, and Magic 8 Ball.
Mattel also owns Street Sharks, and we all know Vin Diesel knows all about those.
Kyle Anderson is the Senior Editor for Nerdist. He hosts the weekly pop culture deep-dive podcast Laser Focus. You can find his film and TV reviews here. Follow him on Letterboxd.
This post has affiliate links, which means we may earn advertising money if you buy something. This doesn’t cost you anything extra, we just have to give you the heads up for legal reasons. Click away!