A movie based on the beloved toy store chain Toys ‘R’ Us is reportedly in the works, joining the ranks of upcoming films inspired by Lego and Matchbox, among other childhood favorites.
According to Variety, the project is being developed by Story Kitchen, a studio known for its work on various game adaptations. The film is envisioned as a mix of Night at the Museum and Big, with a dash of nostalgia and adventure, similar to recent hits like Barbie. Although the movie is still in its early stages, producers Dmitri M. Johnson and Mike Goldberg are already in discussions with filmmakers to bring the concept to life.
Johnson and Goldberg, co-founders of Story Kitchen, have expressed their enthusiasm for the project, stating that Toys ‘R’ Us is “a cultural touchstone that continues to impact the child in all of us today.” As self-proclaimed “’80s kids who considered the store one of the most magical places on Earth,” they feel honored to be a part of creating a film that captures the essence of adventure, creativity, and nostalgia that the brand embodies.
Kim Miller Olko, president of Toys ‘R’ Us Studios, has also shared her excitement about the project, saying, “This project is an exciting opportunity to bring the magic of our brand to the big screen.” She envisions the movie as “a journey as boundless as play itself, evoking the electric sense of wonder that is the essence of Toys ‘R’ Us.” The story aims to capture the imagination, adventure, and joy that has made Toys ‘R’ Us a beloved destination for kids of all ages.
Toys ‘R’ Us has a rich history, dating back to its founding in 1948. For generations, the store was a wonderland for children, offering a vast array of toys and featuring a beloved mascot, Geoffrey the Giraffe, and a catchy TV jingle. However, the rise of online stores and mass merchants, combined with significant debt from private equity loans, led to the company’s demise in 2018. Fortunately, the brand was revived in 2021, with a newfound presence mainly as a subsection of Macy’s, as well as some standalone stores in New Jersey and Minnesota’s Mall of America.
As the Toys ‘R’ Us movie develops, we can expect to hear more about the project, including potential plans for a Babies ‘R’ Us spinoff.
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