Mattel and Universal just handed the keys to Monster High over to a horror director who knows how to have a little fun with fear.
M3GAN director Gerard Johnstone will helm the live-action Monster High movie, the latest addition to Mattel’s ever-growing cinematic toy chest. For fans of monster lore, campy satire, and emotionally weird teen angst, this could be the perfect pairing.
The Monster High brand launched in 2010 and instantly stood out among fashion dolls with its monster-inspired characters that included the teenage descendants of Dracula, Frankenstein, and other horror legends trying to navigate high school life.
Now, under the banner of Mattel Films and Universal Pictures, those ghoulish hallways are being brought to life with a genre filmmaker at the wheel.
Johnstone also made the 2014 film Housebound, a horror comedy cult hit, but became a household name in genre circles after directing 2022’s surprise horror phenomenon M3GAN.
Speaking about the project, Johnstone said: “With Barbie, Mattel Studios demonstrated that they’re not afraid to take bold swings with their IP. What makes Monster High so exciting for me is the opportunity to play in the sandbox of so many iconic monster myths.”
That mix of genre love and playful reinvention is exactly what Mattel’s Robbie Brenner is looking for. Brenner, who also produced Barbie, said:
“Gerard’s unique vision and genre-blending style make him the perfect fit for this film. This is exactly what we’re building at Mattel Studios as we continue to work with top talent to tell fresh, unexpected stories from our rich portfolio of brands.”
The script is being written by Oscar-winner Akiva Goldsman (A Beautiful Mind, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds), who is also producing alongside Brenner. For Goldsman, the project hits closer to home:
“Monster High is delightfully personal to me — my daughters grew up loving the dolls and what they represent. Gerard’s work is sharp, daring, and full of heart. He’s exactly the director this film needs.”
There’s no word yet on casting or plot, but this creative team suggests a tone that could lean somewhere between horror homage and heartfelt teen adventure. Think spooky, stylish, and maybe just a little wicked.
And if Johnstone can bring even half the chaos and charm of M3GAN to Monster High, fans of the property are in for something freakishly fun.
Source: THR
