Sonic Movie 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 team behind numerous successful video game movie adaptations, including the Sonic the Hedgehog movies — is set to create a film that encapsulates the essence of childhood wonder. Their goal is to craft a modern, fast-paced adventure that honors the Toys 'R' Us brand’s extensive legacy in the toy industry, spanning over 70 years.

“Toys 'R' Us is a cultural touchstone that continues to resonate with the child in all of us,” said Story Kitchen co-founders Dmitri M. Johnson and Mike Goldberg. “As '80s kids who considered Toys 'R' Us one of the most magical places on Earth, we’re thrilled to partner on a film that will embody the spirit of adventure, creativity, and nostalgia synonymous with Toys 'R' Us.”

Somehow Toys 'R' Us returned. Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images.The movie draws inspiration from classics like Night at the Museum, Back to the Future, and Big, as well as modern toy-to-movie successes like Barbie. While specific casting details remain under wraps, Johnson, Goldberg, Timothy I. Stevenson, and Elena Sandoval will produce for Story Kitchen, alongside Kim Miller Olko, who will produce for Toys "R" Us Studios.

“As Toys "R" Us embarks on its first cinematic venture, this project represents an exciting chance to bring the enchantment of our brand to the silver screen,” said Miller Olko, president of Toys "R" Us Studios. “We aim to create a film that mirrors the boundless nature of play, capturing the vibrant 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.”

Last year, Story Kitchen announced a film adaptation of Square Enix's Just Cause, with Blue Beetle director Ángel Manuel Soto attached. They are also working on adaptations of Dredge: The Movie, Kingmakers, and Sleeping Dogs.