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The sound you just heard was a collective pull on the heartstrings of nostalgia among Gen Xers and Millennials everywhere in America. Beloved toy store Toys “R” Us, which was once a victim of private equity, is set for a comeback on the big screen as production company Story Kitchen and Toys “R” Us Studios are collaborating on a movie about this magical retail chain. This live-action film will take inspiration from movies like Night at the Museum, Big, Jumanji, and Barbie, with elements reminiscent of their whimsical charm.

Story Kitchen, a fresh production company, was born from the minds of Derek Kolstad (writer-creator of John Wick), Dmitri M. Johnson (producer of Sonic the Hedgehog), and Mike Goldberg (former APA partner). This team has made a name for itself by skillfully transforming non-conventional intellectual properties, such as video game franchises like Sega’s Sonic The Hedgehog. Currently, they are working on expanding the Tomb Raider franchise, which includes an animated TV series for Netflix and live-action TV and film projects for Amazon MGM Studios.

Dmitri M. Johnson and Mike Goldberg said in a statement via Deadline:

Toys’R’Us remains a cherished symbol in our cultural landscape, shaping the child within us all. As kids of the 80s who saw Toys’R’Us as an enchanting realm, we feel privileged to collaborate on a project that aims to embody the essence of excitement, imagination, and nostalgia that Toys’R’Us embodies.

Kim Miller Olko, holding the position as President of Toys “R” Us Studios, also voiced enthusiasm towards the project, stating furthermore:

For our initial movie production, this project offers an exhilarating chance to translate the enchanting spirit of our brand onto the silver screen. It’s going to be a limitless odyssey mirroring the boundless fun that characterizes play. This tale will stir the same electrifying sense of curiosity and wonder that defines Toys’R’Us, captivating the minds, hearts, and spirits of children everywhere.

A Different Kind of Toy Story

As a fan, I find it refreshing and liberating that the characters causing trouble in the Night at The Museum series are derived from historical figures and thus not protected by any copyright. It’s like saying I don’t need permission from the T-Rex family to bring him to life on screen! Toys ‘R’ Us was once filled with toys and games, some of which could potentially cause hurdles for filmmakers during the lengthy and challenging production process. Crafting a compelling story is already a challenge, especially when dealing with non-conventional intellectual properties such as board games. Yet, films based on popular toys like Barbie have made a significant cultural impact.

Information about the preliminary stages of this project is scarce since the production team is only just getting started. The specific writers, directors, and casting crew have yet to be confirmed, but we can expect more updates in the upcoming months. Notably, Story Kitchen has secured a first-look TV agreement with Amazon and DreamWorks Animation.

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2025-04-23 12:32