Vin Diesel Will Star, Produce, and Write for Mattel’s ‘Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots’
EXCLUSIVE: Fast & Furious star Vin Diesel is set to write the screenplay for Mattel Studios’ upcoming film adaptation of Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots.
Diesel’s involvement as both a star and producer through his One Race Films banner was first announced in April 2021.
The live-action feature will bring to life the classic tabletop boxing game and its renowned characters, Red Rocker and Blue Bomber.
Robbie Brenner, President of Mattel Studios and Chief Content Officer, who is also producing the film, praised Diesel’s storytelling abilities. “Vin is a powerhouse storyteller with an unmatched understanding of action, heart, and world-building. His creative vision for Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots is bold, human, and deeply cinematic—exactly the kind of storytelling we love at Mattel Studios,” Brenner stated.
Diesel expressed his enthusiasm for the project, saying, “I am excited to expand the Mattel universe by bringing this classic toy from my childhood to a modern audience by telling a story that examines the role of competition in a world often measured by strength and dominance that dares to reveal the power of compassion at its core.”
Samantha Vincent from One Race is also producing the film, which will be overseen by Darian Greenbaum and Andrew Scannell for Mattel Studios, alongside Diesel.
Following the success of Barbie, which grossed $1.44 billion and became Warner Bros.’ highest-grossing film, Mattel Studios is advancing a live-action adaptation of the popular toy franchise Masters of the Universe, slated for release on June 5, 2026, in collaboration with Amazon MGM Studios. Additionally, the studio will release Matchbox with Apple Original Films, featuring John Cena next year.
Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots was initially developed at Universal.
Vin Diesel is represented by CAA, Linden Entertainment, Felker Toczek Suddleson McGinnis Ryan, and Greenburg Glusker.
