With the Barbie movie grossing nearly $1.442 billion at the worldwide box office this year, it’s no surprise that Mattel is looking to keep the money rolling in, this time with a live-action American Girl feature film.
Mattel is teaming up with Paramount Pictures and Temple Hill Entertainment on the upcoming movie. The feature will be distributed by Paramount Pictures and produced by Mattel Films, Paramount Pictures, and Temple Hill Entertainment (Twilight, The Maze Runner, The Fault in Our Stars).
Lindsey Anderson Beer (Pet Sematary: Bloodlines, Sierra Burgess is a Loser) is attached to write the screenplay and produce.
Robbie Brenner, President of Mattel Films, said: “American Girl is a beloved franchise, rich in history and storytelling with millions of devoted fans. Through dolls, books, live experiences, and television movies, the brand has captured hearts for decades.”
Brenner added: “We are excited to continue Mattel Films’ momentum and collaborate with Paramount Pictures, Temple Hill Entertainment, and Lindsey Anderson Beer to bring American Girl to life on the big screen.”
Daria Cercek, Co-President of Paramount Pictures Motion Picture Group, said: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Mattel Films, our friends at Temple Hill, and the incredibly talented Lindsey Anderson Beer to bring American Girl — one of the most iconic doll brands ever — to moviegoers everywhere.”
Added Anderson Beer: “Growing up, my sister and I were American Girl girls. I had Kirsten, and she had Molly. They didn’t feel like dolls to play with, rather real people whose worlds we got to imagine ourselves in.
“They are historically accurate toys and accessories that feature elaborate and immersive backstories uniquely suited to bring to screen. I am so excited to tell a story that tackles the issues of girlhood in a real and compelling way, and proud to partner with Mattel Films, Paramount Pictures, and Temple Hill to create the American Girl movie I have wanted to see since childhood.”
The nation’s most storied children’s brand known for its premium dolls and bestselling books, American Girl was founded in 1986 by Pleasant T. Rowland, a teacher-turned-entrepreneur who set out to celebrate girlhood with beautiful dolls and adventurous books that would nourish a child’s imagination and provide education and entertainment.
Today, the brand continues to focus on creating authentic, culturally relevant characters and stories that help girls grow up with courage, confidence, and strength of character while remaining a trusted partner to parents.
The upcoming film is overseen by Kevin McKeon and Ivan Sanchez at Mattel, Vanessa Joyce at Paramount Pictures, and Isaac Klausner, Laura Quicksilver, and Annika Patton at Temple Hill.
Beer is represented by CAA, Daniel Cohan at Brillstein Entertainment Partners, Cheryl Snow at Gang Tyre, and Shelter PR.
Mirko Parlevliet has been reporting on the entertainment industry since 1998 and founded Vital Thrills in 2018 to cover the latest news on streaming, movies, TV, and video games.