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Oscar-nominated screenwriter, producer and director Phil Johnston will write the View-Master live-action four-quadrant feature film for Mattel Studios, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Escape Artists based on the 86-year old 3D image toy. The hand-held stereoscopic viewing device has been popular for generations of children whereby a viewer can click through a series of 3D images located on a round disk (which is inserted into the device). For decades, studios teamed with View-Master with disc reels containing images from their TV shows and movies. Best known for co-directing and co-writing Disney’s Wreck-It Ralph and Ralph Breaks the Internet, Johnston also co-wrote the animated comedy Zootopia (2016), all of which were box-office hits. Wreck-It Ralph and Ralph Breaks the Internet earned Oscar nominations for Best Animated Feature in 2013 and 2019, respectively. View-Master will be overseen by Tom McNulty and Arturo Thur de Koós for Mattel Studios. Robbie Brenner is producing on behalf of Mattel, with Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Steve Tisch, and Tony Shaw are producing for Escape Artists. Tom McNulty, Senior Executive, Film for Mattel, said: “View-Master has always been pure magic to me—a simple toy that opened entire worlds beyond imagination. 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.” Johnston said: “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. 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, said: “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.” Mattel is also collaborating with Escape Artists to produce the upcoming Masters of the Universe live-action feature film based on the Mattel series, set for global theatrical release on June 5, 2026. Directed by Travis Knight, the cast includes Nicholas Galitzine as He-Man, Camila Mendes as Teela, Idris Elba as Duncan/Man-At-Arms, and more. Johnston is represented by Management 360.
