In the wake of the blockbuster success of "Barbie," Mattel is set to bring another iconic doll line to life on the big screen. The toy company announced on Wednesday that it is in the early stages of developing a live-action film based on its beloved American Girl doll collection.
Titled "American Girl," the project is set to be a collaborative effort between Mattel Films, Paramount Pictures, and Temple Hill Entertainment, the production company behind hits like "Twilight" and "The Fault in Our Stars."
Lindsey Anderson Beer, acclaimed for her work on "Pet Cemetery: Bloodlines," will be both writing the script and producing the upcoming film.
This latest addition to Mattel's cinematic lineup comes on the heels of the successful release of "Barbie." With a total of 14 live-action films in various stages of development, Mattel Films is expanding its universe to include adaptations of popular toys such as Hot Wheels, Magic 8 Ball, Polly Pocket, Rock ‘Em Sock ’Em Robots, and UNO.
“Saturday Night Live” has already spoofed the idea of an American Girl doll movie. In April, the NBC sketch comedy show aired a parody trailer with Ana de Armas in which a handful of American Girl dolls from disparate eras of history are brought into the modern day but keep dying of cholera.
“Come for the fun,” the trailer announces. “Stay for the overburdened preteens wearing four layers of petticoats and pantaloons.”
Mattel in 2019 partnered with MGM on an “American Girl” movie but those plans fizzled. Since its debut in 1986, the American Girl doll line has sold over 32 million dolls, each featuring historically accurate details and immersive backstories.
Lindsey Anderson Beer expressed her excitement about the project, stating, "They are historically accurate toys and accessories that feature elaborate and immersive backstories uniquely suited to bring to the screen. I am so excited to tell a story that tackles the issues of girlhood in a real and compelling way."
