Gerard Johnstone to Direct Live-Action "Monster High" Movie from Mattel Studios, Universal Pictures and Weed Road
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Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAT), the leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world, announced today that acclaimed filmmaker Gerard Johnstone (M3GAN 2.0) is set to direct Monster High, a live-action theatrical film, developed in partnership with Universal Pictures and Academy Award-winning filmmaker Akiva Goldsman under his banner, Weed Road. The film will feature an original story based on Mattel's beloved fashion dolls imagined as the children of legendary monsters.
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Gerard Johnstone (photo by Elizabeth Weinberg)
Johnstone is best known for directing Universal Pictures, Blumhouse and Atomic Monster's breakout horror hit M3GAN, which became a global box office success and grossed over $180 million worldwide. A standout voice in genre filmmaking, he is also the creator of the cult-favorite haunted house comedy Housebound and the award-winning satirical series The Jaquie Brown Diaries. Johnstone returns to direct the highly anticipated sequel to M3GAN, M3GAN 2.0, which Universal Pictures will release wide on June 27, 2025.
Robbie Brenner, President and Chief Content Officer, Mattel Studios, said: "Gerard's unique vision and genre-blending style make him the perfect fit for this film. This is exactly what we're building at Mattel Studios as we continue to work with top talent to tell fresh, unexpected stories from our rich portfolio of brands. Monster High is a fan-favorite franchise with endless storytelling potential, and we are thrilled to reimagine it in a monstrously exciting way with Gerard at the helm."
Johnstone added: "With Barbie, Mattel Studios demonstrated that they're not afraid to take bold swings with their IP. What makes Monster High so exciting for me is the opportunity to play in the sandbox of so many iconic monster myths, and getting to do that alongside Akiva, Robbie, and Universal Pictures is a total dream. I can't wait for audiences to step into the weird, wonderful world of misfit magic we're about to create."
Goldsman, who is also a producer on Mattel Studios' Major Matt Mason starring Tom Hanks, said: "Monster High is delightfully personal to me — my daughters grew up loving the dolls and what they represent. Gerard's work is sharp, daring, and full of heart. He's exactly the director this film needs."
Goldsman is the Academy Award-winning screenwriter of A Beautiful Mind, whose critically acclaimed projects range from creator of The Crowded Room, showrunner of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, and screenwriter of Cinderella Man, to producer of several films in the Paranormal Activity franchise and the upcoming sequels to Constantine and I Am Legend.
First introduced in 2010, Monster High immediately became a beloved, expansive universe rich with inclusive storytelling and doll play, fostering a fandom that spans generations. The brand continues to encourage fans of all ages to embrace their authentic selves and what makes them unique.
Producers of Monster High are Brenner and Goldsman. Overseeing the project are Arturo Thur de Koós for Mattel and Greg Lessans for Weed Road. Universal Pictures' Senior Vice President of Production Lexi Barta and Director of Production Development Jacqueline Garell are overseeing the project for the studio.
Mattel Studios' vision is to collaborate with leading creators to make standout quality content based on Mattel's iconic brands that will resonate in culture and appeal to global audiences. Mattel Studios has announced 15 films in development including American Girl, Barney, Bob the Builder, Hot Wheels, Magic 8 Ball, Major Matt Mason, Monster High, Polly Pocket, Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots, Thomas & Friends, UNO, View-Master, Whac-A-Mole, and Wishbone, as well as Christmas Balloon, a holiday family drama based on all-new IP. Mattel Studios has two live-action movies in production: Masters of the Universe, scheduled for worldwide theatrical release on June 5, 2026, and Matchbox, which recently wrapped principal photography and is slated for release in Fall 2026.
Goldsman is represented by CAA, TFC Management, and Hansen Jacobsen Teller. Johnstone is represented by CAA, Key Creatives, ID and Davis Law Group.
About Mattel
Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends™, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Matchbox®, Monster High®, MEGA® and Polly Pocket®, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, and digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world's leading retail and e-commerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us at mattel.com.
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