Zadan and Meron To Produce New Mattel Musical Project for Universal, Shaiman and Wittman In Talks to Score

Variety reports that Universal Pictures has made a deal to acquire an untitled Mattel toy property for a live-action musical film to be produced by Craig Zadan and Neil Meron. The duo will reunite with the "Hairspray" team of Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. Shaiman and Wittman are in talks to write an original score for the musical.

Mattel would not reveal the name of the toy line or when it will launch to Variety, saying only that the property aspires to add a fresh twist to monster lore. "This is a new step for us, a real opportunity to launch a new intellectual property on multiple platforms," remarked Tim Kilpin, general manager for Mattel Brands' Girls, Boys & Games Group.

Universal celebrated a global hit with "Mamma Mia!" and teaming with Working Title on the stage musical transfer of "Billy Elliot." A "Bridget Jones" musical is in the works as well.

U and Mattel gave Zadan and Meron a demonstration of the toy line and its mythology, and the producers said they signed on quickly and brought in Shaiman and Wittman, whose deals are being negotiated. A writer will be hired shortly, they said. 

"Neil and I have been looking for an original movie musical franchise for several years, and we feel this one is it. "It really has long-term potential, and it will spin the monster genre on its ear," Zadan revealed. He and "Hairspray" partner Meron were executive producers of "Chicago," and are producing "Footloose" at Paramount with Dylan Sellers.

To read the entire Variety article on the project, click here.

Together, Zadan and Meron produced the blockbuster "Hairspray" and the critically acclaimed "Chicago," which was the first musical in 34 years to win the top honor of Best Picture Oscar at the 2002 Academy Awards.

Zadan and Meron Photo Credit: Sarah DeBoer/Retna Ltd.

Shaiman and Wittman Photo by Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.