Phil Johnston, known as the screenwriter for Disney’s blockbuster animations “Zootopia” and “Shook-It Ralph,” will write the screenplay for the live-action movie “Viewmaster.”
Sony Pictures is backing the film, which is based on Mattel’s 3D image toys that have been around since 1939. “Viewmaster” is described as a “four-quadrant family adventure,” but plot details, cast, and director have not been disclosed.
“The Viewmaster was (and still is) one of my favorite toys as a child because it gave me the opportunity to explore distant worlds without ever leaving my room,” Johnston said. “I would escape into those slides for hours at a time, and no one would yell at me for staring at me. I want to bring that sense of wonder that I felt as a bowl-haired kid in the ’80s to the big screen today.”
The “Viewmaster” movie will be directed by Mattel Studios executives Tom McNulty and Arturo Tur de Coos. Robbie Brenner is producing on behalf of Mattel, with Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Steve Tisch and Tony Shaw producing for Escape Artist.
“The Viewmaster has always been pure magic to me, a simple toy that opened up a whole world beyond my imagination,” said McNulty, Mattel’s senior film executive. “We are incredibly honored to have the brilliant Phil Johnston, one of cinema’s most soulful and original storytellers, at the helm of this reimagining of Viewmaster.”
Escape Artist producer Black called Johnston “one of the most original creative voices working today.”
Mattel is also working with Escape Artists on the upcoming live-action film Masters of the Universe. The toy company is working on movie versions of American Girl, Barbie, Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robot and the card game “Uno.” Mattel’s only theatrical release to date is Greta Gerwig’s Oscar-winning “Barbie.”
