Phil Johnston to Write View-Master Film

Phil Johnston (Wreck-It Ralph, Zootopia) is on board to write the View-Master live-action feature film for Mattel Studios, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Escape Artists.

“View-Master has always been pure magic to me—a simple toy that opened entire worlds beyond imagination,” said Tom McNulty, senior executive for film at Mattel. “It’s an incredible honor to have the brilliant Phil Johnston, one of the most soulful and inventive storytellers in film, at the helm of the View-Master reimagining. Building on our wonderful collaboration with Todd and Jason at Escape Artists on Masters of the Universe and now joining forces with Sony Pictures Entertainment, we’re thrilled for the opportunity to bring a timeless classic into a bold new era—and to inspire new audiences to see the world with wonder.”

“View-Master was one of my favorite toys when I was a kid (still is) because it gave me a chance to explore faraway worlds without ever leaving my room,” Johnston commented. “I would escape into those slides for hours at a time, and no one would yell at me for staring. I want to bring the wonder I felt as a bowl-haired kid in the ’80s to the big screen now, and working with Mattel, Sony and Escape Artists is giving me the chance to do just that.”

Todd Black, producer for Escape Artists, added, “Having Phil Johnston join this project is a huge win. He’s one of the most inventive creative voices working today, and with Mattel Studios and Sony Pictures Entertainment, we’re combining incredible creative forces to turn View-Master into an unforgettable big-screen adventure.”

The View-Master film is being overseen by McNulty and Arturo Thur de Koós for Mattel Studios. Robbie Brenner is producing on behalf of Mattel, with Black, Jason Blumenthal, Steve Tisch and Tony Shaw producing for Escape Artists.