In a surprising twist that's sure to delight fans of nostalgia, a live-action Toys "R" Us movie is currently in development. According to Variety, Story Kitchen—the creative force behind recent video game movie hits like the Sonic the Hedgehog series—aims to encapsulate the essence of childhood wonder in a modern, fast-paced adventure. This project celebrates the Toys 'R' Us brand's enduring relevance over its 70-year history in the toy industry.
“Toys 'R' Us is a cultural touchstone that continues to resonate with the child in all of us today,” expressed Story Kitchen co-founders Dmitri M. Johnson and Mike Goldberg. “As '80s kids who viewed Toys 'R' Us as one of the most magical places on Earth, we’re thrilled to collaborate on a film that embodies the spirit of adventure, creativity, and nostalgia that Toys 'R' Us stands for.”
The film draws inspiration from classics like Night at the Museum, Back to the Future, and Big, as well as successful toy-to-movie crossovers such as Barbie. While details about the cast remain under wraps, Johnson, Goldberg, Timothy I. Stevenson, and Elena Sandoval are set to produce for Story Kitchen, joined by Kim Miller Olko, who will produce for Toys "R" Us Studios.
“As Toys "R" Us's inaugural film, this project represents an exciting opportunity to translate the magic of our brand onto the big screen,” stated Miller Olko, president of Toys "R" Us Studios. “It will embark on a journey as boundless as play itself, capturing the electric sense of wonder that defines Toys "R" Us. This story will ignite the imagination, adventure, and joy that has made Toys "R" Us a beloved destination for kids of all ages.”
Story Kitchen's busy slate includes a film adaptation of Square Enix's Just Cause, directed by Ángel Manuel Soto of Blue Beetle fame, along with adaptations of Dredge: The Movie, Kingmakers, and Sleeping Dogs.
