Sonic Producers to Create Live-Action Toys 'R' Us Film

Here's a sentence I never thought I'd write: there's a live-action Toys "R" Us movie in the works. According to Variety, Story Kitchen — the powerhouse behind numerous video game movie adaptations, including the beloved Sonic the Hedgehog films — is set to craft a cinematic journey that encapsulates the essence of childhood wonder. Their goal is to create a modern, fast-paced adventure that pays homage to the Toys 'R' Us brand's enduring relevance over its 70-year legacy in the toy industry.

“Toys 'R' Us is a cultural touchstone that continues to spark joy and nostalgia in us all,” said Story Kitchen co-founders Dmitri M. Johnson and Mike Goldberg. “As children of the '80s who found Toys 'R' Us to be one of the most enchanting places on Earth, we are thrilled to bring this vision to life, capturing the spirit of adventure, creativity, and the nostalgia that defines Toys 'R' Us.”

The film draws inspiration from iconic movies like Night at the Museum, Back to the Future, and Big, as well as successful toy-to-movie franchises like Barbie. While details on the cast remain under wraps, Johnson, Goldberg, Timothy I. Stevenson, and Elena Sandoval will produce for Story Kitchen, joined by Kim Miller Olko from Toys "R" Us Studios.

“As Toys "R" Us ventures into its first film, this project marks an exhilarating opportunity to showcase the magic of our brand on the big screen,” said Miller Olko, president of Toys "R" Us Studios. “This cinematic journey will be as boundless as play itself, capturing the electric sense of wonder that is synonymous with Toys "R" Us. Our story will ignite the imagination, adventure, and joy that has long made Toys "R" Us a cherished destination for kids of all ages.”

Last year, Story Kitchen announced a film adaptation of Square Enix's Just Cause, with Blue Beetle director Ángel Manuel Soto at the helm. The studio is also adapting Dredge: The Movie, Kingmakers, and Sleeping Dogs, further solidifying its presence in the entertainment industry.