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

A live-action Toys "R" Us movie is in development, as reported by Variety. The project is being spearheaded by Story Kitchen, the creative force behind recent video game adaptations such as the Sonic the Hedgehog films. The aim is to encapsulate the enchantment of childhood in a dynamic, modern adventure that reflects the Toys 'R' Us brand's enduring significance over its 70-year history.

Dmitri M. Johnson and Mike Goldberg, co-founders of Story Kitchen, expressed their enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Toys 'R' Us is a cultural touchstone that continues impacting the child in all of us today. As '80s kids who considered Toys 'R' Us one of the most magical places on Earth, we’re honored to partner to create a film that will capture the spirit of adventure, creativity and nostalgia that Toys 'R' Us represents.”

Somehow Toys 'R' Us returned. Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images.

The film draws inspiration from beloved movies such as Night at the Museum, Back to the Future, and Big, as well as successful toy-to-movie franchises like Barbie. Although details about the cast remain under wraps, the production team includes Johnson, Goldberg, Timothy I. Stevenson, and Elena Sandoval from Story Kitchen, alongside Kim Miller Olko from Toys "R" Us Studios.

Kim Miller Olko, President of Toys "R" Us Studios, shared her excitement about the project, saying, “As Toys "R" Us first film, this project is an exciting opportunity to bring the magic of our brand to the big screen. It will be a journey as boundless as play itself, evoking the electric sense of wonder that is the essence of Toys "R" Us. This story will capture the imagination, adventure and joy that has made Toys "R" Us a destination for kids of all ages.”

Story Kitchen's recent announcements include 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.