We’ve got big news for fans of Mattel’s iconic monster dolls! After scaring audiences with the M3GAN films, Gerard Johnstone has signed on to direct the live-action Monster High movie! This exciting project is a collaboration between Mattel, Universal Pictures, and Akiva Goldsman’s Weed Road.
What We Know So Far
While exact plot details are still under wraps, Deadline confirms the news. Mattel first announced the project back in June 2024. Robbie Brenner, President and Chief Content Officer of Mattel Studios, will produce alongside Akiva Goldsman. Overseeing the production are Arturo Thur de Koós for Mattel, Greg Lessans for Weed Road, Lexi Barta, Senior Vice President of Production at Universal Pictures, and Jacqueline Garell, Director of Production Development at the studio.
The World of Monster High
First introduced as a line of dolls in 2010, Monster High centers around a fictional high school populated by the teenage children of famous monsters. Think Draculaura (daughter of Dracula) and Frankie Stein (daughter of Frankenstein’s Monster). Then there’s Clawdeen Wolf (daughter of the Werewolf) and Cleo de Nile (daughter of the Mummy). These characters are designed to reflect the diverse and unique offspring of classic monster figures. Each character brings their personality, style, and background to create a rich tapestry of monster heritage and high school drama.
Beyond the dolls, Monster High has expanded into various forms of media. That includes an animated web series, TV specials, movies, and books. The franchise consistently encourages its audience to embrace their unique qualities and differences, much like the characters do in their world.
The Perfect Director for a Monstrous Vision
Johnstone previously directed Universal’s horror hit M3GAN, which grossed over $180 million worldwide, and he’s also directing M3GAN 2.0, the highly anticipated sequel set to debut on June 27.
Mattel’s Brenner expressed her excitement about the director choice: “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. Monster High is a fan-favorite franchise with endless storytelling potential, and we are thrilled to reimagine it in a monstrously exciting way with Gerard at the helm.”
Akiva Goldsman added a personal touch: “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.”
Mattel Studios is Ramping Up!
Mattel Studios is certainly busy! They currently have two other live-action movies in development: Masters of the Universe, scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on June 526, and Matchbox, which recently completed principal photography and is slated for release in Fall 2026..
Are you excited to see the Monster High gang brought to life on the big screen?
