Barbie's Weird Monster High Cousins Get Their Own Live-Action Movie

The Barbie-like franchise Monster High is also set to receive a live-action adaptation in the near future. But it's not just this one. And it's not the only one – many more big brands are in the pipeline as well.

Mattel Monster High Live Adaption
Monster High: The franchise will get a live-action movie. | © Mattel

Monster High is following in Barbie's footsteps – it's getting a live-action movie. The film industry is currently undergoing a general shift, and right now, there seems to be a particular fondness for live-action adaptations.

Due to the success of the Barbie movie, which was released in 2023, Mattel has developed a taste for immortalizing more brands in movies. Monster High already has several animated series and movies, but now Mattel wants to jump on the live-action bandwagon. Let's take a look at what we already know about the new movie.

Monster High: Everything We Know So Far

Monster High Animated
Why does everything have to get a live-action adaptation? | © Mattel/Nickelodeon

Monster High was introduced to the market in 2010 and instantly won the hearts of children. The combination of Barbie and monsters was simply brilliant. Moreover, these weren't just any monsters – they were the daughters of famous monsters like Frankenstein and Dracula.

Monster High Plot

The story of Monster High often follows a similar theme. It centers on the children of famous monsters, showcasing their lives at Monster High, the monster school, and the adventures they have together. Exact plot details have not yet been disclosed, but we can expect to see familiar protagonists like Frankie Stein, Draculaura, Clawdeen Wolf, and Cleo de Nile.

Production And Inspiration

For the movie, Mattel and Universal Pictures have enlisted none other than Academy Award-winning screenwriter Akiva Goldsman. He is responsible for the writing and production. Goldsman is well-known in the industry and has contributed to movies such as A Beautiful Mind, Batman & Robin, and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

But what makes Monster High so special that it deserves a live-action movie? Robbie Brenner, the president of Mattel Films, provided a very nice and fitting answer to that:

Monster High helps fans discover the great beauty in being true to yourself and celebrates the unique sensibilities at the core of who we are as individuals.

Even though some may call Monster High as cheesy and childish, its message is something that many should internalize: 'being true to yourself'!

The message behind the film is strong and worthy of being on screen, but matching the success of the Barbie movie will be very challenging. However, a solid foundation has been laid with this statement, and with a good producer and fitting actors, the film could also be a great success.

Franchises That Are Also Set To Receive A Film

UNO Mobile More Codes
Can you imagine Uno as a movie? | © Mattel163

But it's not just Monster High that is set to get a special movie. Mattel is already planning to turn many other famous brands into movies, including UNO. So perhaps the UNO Reverse Card memes will come true! Just as long as you can't stack a +4 on a +4!

Here are the Mattel games we can expect to see as films in the not-too-distant future:

  • American Girl
  • Barney
  • Hot Wheels
  • Bob the Builder
  • Magic 8 Ball
  • Major Matt Jackson
  • Masters of the Universe
  • Matchbox Polly Pocket
  • Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots
  • Thomas & Friends
  • UNO
  • View-Master
  • Wishbone

How they plan to turn some of these game brands into films is quite questionable, but Mattel and the filmmakers will surely find a way. However, whether we really need a film for all these brands...

Mattel says the following about it:

Mattel Film’s vision is to collaborate with leading filmmakers to make standout quality movies based on our iconic brands that will resonate in culture and appeal to global audiences.

So, get ready for probably many, MANY more live-action adaptations. Whether these films will match the success of the Barbie movie remains to be seen. What do you think about the idea of immortalizing game brands in films? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.

Freya Engel

Freya practically grew up with video games. She loves the community aspect of gaming and doesn't easily give up, even when a level seems impossible. Her favorite games include League of Legends, Animal Crossing, and The Sims 4....