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Mattel Taps Tracie Laymon to Write and Direct Live-Action ‘Tony the Tattooed Man’

The film is pitched as a surreal, character-first reimagining of a little-known 1992 toy focused on empathy and second chances.

Overview

  • Mattel Studios confirmed Tracie Laymon, fresh off SXSW winner Bob Trevino Likes It, will write and direct the live-action adaptation.
  • Darian Greenbaum and Steve Spohr will oversee the project for Mattel Studios, with Robbie Brenner producing alongside Ivan Sanchez.
  • The creative brief positions the movie as a character-driven drama that blends surreal fantasy with emotional depth.
  • Tony the Tattooed Man originated in 1992 as an action figure sold with water-soluble temporary tattoos and later gained a cult collector following.
  • The project is part of Mattel’s post-Barbie slate and is positioned to follow this summer’s Masters of the Universe release, with no release date announced.