Believe it or not, a live-action Toys "R" Us movie is officially in development. According to Variety, the project is being spearheaded by Story Kitchen, the creative minds behind recent video game movie adaptations like the Sonic the Hedgehog films. They aim to encapsulate the essence of childhood wonder through a modern, fast-paced adventure that reflects Toys 'R' Us's significant 70-year legacy in the toy industry.
“Toys 'R' Us is a cultural touchstone that continues impacting the child in all of us today,” said Story Kitchen co-founders Dmitri M. Johnson and Mike Goldberg. “As '80s kids who considered Toys 'R' Us one of the most magical places on Earth, we’re honored to partner to create a film that will capture the spirit of adventure, creativity and nostalgia that Toys 'R' Us represents.”
Somehow Toys 'R' Us returned. Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images.
The film draws inspiration from classics such as Night at the Museum, Back to the Future, and Big, as well as successful toy-to-movie crossovers like Barbie. Although specifics on the cast remain under wraps, Johnson, Goldberg, Timothy I. Stevenson, and Elena Sandoval are set to produce for Story Kitchen, with Kim Miller Olko producing for Toys "R" Us Studios.
“As Toys "R" Us first film, this project is an exciting opportunity to bring the magic of our brand to the big screen,” added Miller Olko, president of Toys "R" Us Studios. “It will be a journey as boundless as play itself, evoking the electric sense of wonder that is the essence of Toys "R" Us. This story will capture the imagination, adventure and joy that has made Toys "R" Us a destination for kids of all ages.”
Last year, Story Kitchen announced a film adaptation of Square Enix's Just Cause, with Blue Beetle director Ángel Manuel Soto on board. They are also working on adaptations of Dredge: The Movie, Kingmakers, and Sleeping Dogs.
