Akiva Goldsman Teams With Universal, Mattel To Develop ‘Monster High’ Film

Oscar-winning writer-producer Akiva Goldsman and his Weed Road are partnering with Mattel, Inc. and Universal Pictures to develop a live-action theatrical Monsters High film, based on the multimedia franchise of the same name.

We’re told that Goldsman is only producing, not writing, so the assignment remains open for now.

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First introduced via a line of dolls in 2010, Monster High centers around a fictional high school attended by the teenage children of famous monsters. These characters, such as Draculaura (daughter of Dracula), Frankie Stein (daughter of Frankenstein’s monster), Clawdeen Wolf (daughter of the Werewolf) and Cleo de Nile (daughter of the Mummy), are designed to reflect the diverse and unique offspring of classic monster figures. Each brings their own personality, style, and background to the Monster High universe, creating a rich tapestry of monster heritage and high school drama.

Beyond the dolls, Monster High has thus far expanded into various forms of media, including an animated web series, TV specials, movies, and books. The franchise encourages its audience to embrace their unique qualities and differences, much like the characters do in their world.

Mattel Films’ President Robbie Brenner and Goldsman will serve as producers on the Monster High Film, with Kevin McKeon and Arturo Thur De Koos overseeing the project for Mattel, alongside Greg Lessans for Weed Road. Universal Pictures’ SVP of Production Lexi Barta and Creative Executive of Production Development Jacqueline Garell are overseeing the project for the studio.

Stated Mattel Films’ Brenner, “Monster High helps fans discover the great beauty in being true to yourself and celebrates the unique sensibilities at the core of who we are as individuals. We’re proud to partner with Universal Pictures and the brilliant Akiva Goldsman to usher this important message to audiences worldwide.”

Added Goldsman, who is also a producer on Mattel Films’ forthcoming Major Matt Mason starring Tom Hanks, “I’ve been fascinated by Monster High since my daughters were obsessed with the dolls as kids. I’m thrilled to once again join forces with Robbie Brenner and our friends at Mattel to help bring this iconic property to life.”

Previously working on films like A Beautiful Mind and Cinderella Man, as well as series like Apple TV+’s The Crowded Room, Goldsman is also known as the showrunner of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, as well as the producer of several films in the blockbuster Paranormal Activity franchise and upcoming sequels to Constantine and I Am Legend.

Making a tremendous commercial and cultural impact with last year’s Barbie, Mattel Films also has features in development for iconic IP including American Girl, Barney, Hot Wheels, Bob the Builder, Magic 8 Ball, Masters of the Universe, Matchbox Polly Pocket, Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots, Thomas & Friends, UNO, View-Master, and Wishbone. Additionally, the company is presently developing Christmas Balloon, a holiday family drama based on all-new IP.

Goldsman is represented by CAA, TFC Management, and Hansen, Jacobsen, Teller.

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