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

In a surprising twist that I never anticipated writing about, there's a live-action Toys "R" Us movie in the works. According to Variety, Story Kitchen—the powerhouse behind many recent video game movie adaptations, including the Sonic the Hedgehog films—is set to bring the iconic toy store to life on the big screen. Their goal? To encapsulate the magic of childhood in a modern, fast-paced adventure that celebrates Toys 'R' Us's legacy spanning over 70 years in the toy industry.

“Toys 'R' Us is a cultural touchstone that continues to resonate with the child in all of us,” stated Story Kitchen co-founders Dmitri M. Johnson and Mike Goldberg. “As kids of the '80s who viewed Toys 'R' Us as one of the most magical places on Earth, we're thrilled to collaborate on a film that embodies the spirit of adventure, creativity, and nostalgia that the brand represents.”

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 other successful toy-to-movie franchises such as Barbie. While details about the cast remain under wraps, Johnson, Goldberg, Timothy I. Stevenson, and Elena Sandoval are set to produce for Story Kitchen, alongside Kim Miller Olko, who will produce for Toys "R" Us Studios.

“As Toys "R" Us's first film, this project is an exciting venture to bring the enchantment of our brand to the cinema,” said Miller Olko, president of Toys "R" Us Studios. “It will be a journey as limitless as play itself, sparking the electric 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 children 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. They are also working on adaptations of Dredge: The Movie, Kingmakers, and Sleeping Dogs, showcasing their commitment to bringing diverse and engaging stories to the screen.