Vin Diesel to Develop and Star in Live-Action ‘Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots’ Movie for Universal and Mattel
Vin Diesel will develop and is also attached to star in a live-action “Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots” movie, based on the classic tabletop game featuring battling robots for Universal and Mattel.
Diesel will develop via his One Race Films banner. Mattel Films will produce the project alongside Diesel and Samantha Vincent (“The Fast and the Furious” franchise) from One Race Films.
“To take the classic Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em game, with Mattel as my partner, and align it with the kind of world-building, franchise-making success we have had with Universal, is truly exciting,” Diesel said in a statement Monday.
Also Read: 'F9' Director Justin Lin Details the '8 Months of Prep' to Capture Wild 4-Second Stunt (Video)
Ryan Engle (“Rampage,” “The Commuter”) wrote the screenplay for the action adventure, which follows a father and son who form an unlikely bond with an advanced war machine. Kevin McKeon will lead the project for Mattel Films.
“We are proud to bring this iconic piece of Mattel IP to life on the big screen with our tremendously talented partners Vin Diesel, One Race Films and Universal,” Robbie Brenner, executive producer of Mattel Films, added. “Our rich library of franchises continues to yield compelling stories and we look forward to creating what is sure to be a thrilling action adventure for the whole family to enjoy with Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots.”
Launched in 1966, the “Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots” game was inspired by an arcade boxing game which pitted Red Rocker against Blue Bomber in a fight to knock his rival’s block off. A staple in pop culture since its debut, the brand’s bright and bold gameplay has appeared in films, television shows and commercials over the past five decades.
“Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots” is the second project between Mattel Films and Universal Pictures, which are also developing a movie based on the “Wishbone” television series.
Other Mattel Films projects in development including movies based on “American Girl,” “Barbie,” “Barney,” “Hot Wheels,” “Magic 8 Ball,” “Major Matt Mason,” “Masters of the Universe,” “Thomas & Friends,” “UNO” and “View-Master.”
Vin Diesel is represented by CAA and Linden Entertainment. Engle is represented by CAA.
Read original story Vin Diesel to Develop and Star in Live-Action ‘Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots’ Movie for Universal and Mattel At TheWrap
