Mole and behold! Mattel has struck a deal with TriStar Pictures to develop a live-action/animated hybrid feature based on its classicWhac-A-Molegame because, at this point, why the heck not? We’re pretty sure no one would have had it on their 2025 bingo card, but a game that involves bopping unsuspecting moles on the head with a giant mallet surely has all the potential to be turned into a feature-length movie and, after the success of Greta Gerwig’sBarbie,the moles are in good hands (but not necessarily safe from hammer-wielding hands).
Not many details have surfaced above ground about theWhac-A-Molemovie as yet, but the hybrid project will almost certainly feature actors with animated characters (presumably the moles), similar toTom & Jerry, Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers,or theSonic the Hedgehogfilm series – andas time has taught us, it will be important to get the design of the furry feature stars just right. Mattel Films President Robbie Brenner has revealed her commitment to bringing the burrowing mammals to the big screen, explaining in a statement:
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“Whac-A-Mole is more than a game — it’s a laugh-out-loud battle of reflexes that has brought joy and a little chaos to families for five decades. We’re beyond excited to team up with TriStar Pictures to turn the iconic experience into a wild, action-packed ride for the big screen.”
In a separate statement, TriStar Pictures president Nicole Brown shared her enthusiasm for the newly-announced project, which is set to be overseen by Elizabeth Bassin and Steve Spohr for Mattel Films, and by Shary Shirazi and Kelseigh Coombs for TriStar Pictures, saying: “Mattel continues to create impact with their films, and Whac-A-Mole is no exception — a brand that has been in culture for generations. We look forward to partnering with them to bring audiences a fresh, unexpected take on this absolute classic.”
Mattel Has Big Plans for Movies Based on Its Iconic Toys After ‘Barbie’s Success
After triumphing at the box office withthe highest-grossing film of 2023, thanks to the Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling-led feature filmBarbie,Mattel swiftly made plans for several more toy-to-film adaptations. The film production division of the toy and entertainment company is known to be actively working on the long-awaited He-Man filmMasters of the UniverseandMatchbox,based on its classic die-cast toy line that features all manner of small-scale replica cars and trucks, inspiring kids to drive their own adventures, rooted in realism.
Masters of the Universeis currently in production, withBumblebeefilmmaker Travis Knight directing a cast that includes Nicholas Galitzine as He-Man, Alison Brie as Evil-Lyn,Camila Mendes as Teela, Jared Leto as Skeletor, and Idris Elba as Duncan/Man-At-Arms. Mattel has no trouble attracting high-profile names to its projects, as John Cena and Jessica Bielsigned on to starin itsMatchboxadaptation, which has now wrapped principal photography. Both of these movies are due out in 2026, whileWhac-A-Moledoesn’t yet have a release date.
Source:Variety
