Universal Pictures and Mattel Films are developing a live-action feature based on the Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots tabletop game, and Vin Diesel is set to play the lead. The Guardians of The Galaxy actor will also produce via his One Race Films banner.
Specific plot details are few and far between, but we do know that Diesel will play a man who, along with his son, "forms an unlikely bond with an advanced war machine." We're going to go ahead and assume that we'll also see some robots punching each other in the face.
The role of the son has not been cast yet.
"To take the classic Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em game, with Mattel as my partner, and align it with the kind of world-building, franchise-making success we have had with Universal, is truly exciting,” said Diesel.
“We are proud to bring this iconic piece of Mattel IP to life on the big screen with our tremendously talented partners Vin Diesel, One Race Films and Universal,” added Robbie Brenner, executive producer of Mattel Films. “Our rich library of franchises continues to yield compelling stories and we look forward to creating what is sure to be a thrilling action adventure for the whole family to enjoy with Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots.”
This is just one of several live-action adaptations of Mattel games and toy IPs in the works at Universal, including Barbie, Barney, Hot Wheels and Magic 8 Ball. There's no word on whether this will lead to some kind of Mattel cinematic universe, but it's a definite possibility.