In the last four years, we’ve been bringing you all the fast and furious news surrounding Vin Diesel’s Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots movie and today, we’ve got yet another update. With every announcement roll-out, it becomes more and more clear that the project is one incredibly close to the actor’s giant heart, as we now know that he will not only be starring in and producing the film, but that he’ll write it too. According to a recent report, the Fast & Furious franchise staple is officially jumping behind his laptop and penning the script that will bring the characters Red Rocker and Blue Bomber to cinematic life.
In a statement paired with the announcement, Diesel gleefully accepted his new task and even teased what the project’s primary theme will center around, revealing,
“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.”
Welcoming the actor-turned-producer and writer on board, Robbie Brenner, President of Mattel Studios and Chief Content Officer added,
“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.”
Diesel is producing under his One Race Films banner alongside Samantha Vincent. The project will be overseen by Mattel Studios’ Darian Greenbaum and Andrew Scannell, with Brenner also producing. As of right now, no other casting announcements have been made, but with Diesel’s name attached in so many ways, we’re sure the team will have a solid pick of top-tier names — maybe even some from the Fast & Furious family.
The Popularity of Toy-Based Cinema
Over the last few years, moviegoers have seen an uptick in live-action adaptations of their favorite board games, characters, animated personalities and video games. We largely have the massive success of Greta Gerwig’s Barbie to thank for the ramp up in popularity, which raked in a staggering $1.44 billion at the global box office for Warner Bros. In addition to the Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em robots movie that Diesel is promising to be full of heart, Mattel Studios will also soon deliver a cinematic adaptation of Masters of the Universe as well as the John Cena-led Matchbox flick.
Stay tuned to Collider for more to come about Diesel’s latest gig.