Mattel is teaming with TriStar Pictures to develop a live-action/animated film based on its classic game Whac-A-Mole.
No word on the plot of the feature take. Elizabeth Bassin and Steve Spohr are overseeing for Mattel Films, alongside Shary Shirazi and Kelseigh Coombs for TriStar.
“Whac-A-Mole is more than a game,” said Mattel Films President Robbie Brenner, “it’s a laugh-out-loud battle of reflexes that has brought joy and a little chaos to families for five decades. We’re beyond excited to team up with TriStar Pictures to turn the iconic experience into a wild, action-packed ride for the big screen.”
Commented TriStar President Nicole Brown, “Mattel continues to create impact with their films, and Whac-A-Mole is no exception – a brand that has been in culture for generations. We look forward to partnering with them to bring audiences a fresh, unexpected take on this absolute classic.”
Coming off big box office success with Barbie, Mattel most recently wrapped production on its live-action Matchbox film starring John Cena and Jessica Biel, a project on which the company is collaborating with Skydance and Apple Original Films. The film will be released in 2026. Also slated for release next year — on June 5, via Amazon MGM, to be specific — is Mattel’s Masters of the Universe, directed by Travis Knight and starring Nicholas Galitzine, which is currently in production.
Seeing success earlier this year with the critically acclaimed comedy One of Them Days, starring Keke Palmer and SZA, TriStar’s next film on the docket is the romantic fantasy A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, starring Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell, which releases September 19.
