Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith's Westbrook Studios, in collaboration with Altar Rock Pictures, is set to revive the beloved 1989 toy brand Monster In My Pocket. The producers plan to develop a live-action series based on the collection of over 200 pocket-sized monsters inspired by global myths and legends. Deadline was the first to report the news.
Monster In My Pocket was founded by former Mattel executives Joe Morrison and John Weems, and has sold over 500 million units worldwide since its launch. The brand, popular among '90s kids, has a rich history that includes a 1992 ABC animated TV special, comic books, and a Nintendo game.
Terence Carter and David Boorstein from Westbrook Studios, along with Barbara Goldner and Josh Feldman from Altar Rock Pictures, are serving as executive producers for the project. Joe Morrison and Maggie Morrison, who represent Morrison Entertainment Group, are also part of the production team.
David Boorstein, SVP and head of Scripted TV at Westbrook Studios, expressed his enthusiasm for the project by stating, "Monster In My Pocket had a significant impact on our culture. We're eager to explore the fascinating and captivating stories of these beloved characters." Currently, the producers are in talks with writers to develop a series that will appeal to a new generation of viewers while bringing the toy brand to life.
In other news, the popular '80s sticker trading cards Garbage Pail Kids, known for satirizing Cabbage Patch Kids, are being considered for a revival as an animated series at Max in 2021. Actor Danny McBride and his production company Rough House Pictures are collaborating with collectibles manufacturer Topps and former Disney CEO Michael Eisner's Tornante on the planned show.
Editor's P/S
As a hard fan of the Monster In My Pocket toy line from the '90s, I am thrilled to hear about the reported development of a live-action TV series based on the beloved franchise. The prospect of seeing my favorite pocket-sized creatures come to life on screen is incredibly exciting, and I can't wait to relive the excitement and nostalgia of my childhood. The rich history of the brand, including the animated TV special, comic books, and Nintendo game, holds a special place in my heart, and I believe that a live-action series has the potential to capture the imaginations of a new generation of viewers while also appealing to fans like myself who grew up with the toys.
The collaboration between Westbrook Studios and Altar Rock Pictures, along with the involvement of experienced producers like Terence Carter, David Boorstein, Barbara Goldner, and Josh Feldman, gives me confidence that the Monster In My Pocket TV series will be a high-quality production that stays true to the spirit of the original toy line. I am particularly excited about the prospect of exploring the fascinating and captivating stories of these beloved characters, and I can't wait to see how the producers bring them to life in a live-action format. Overall, I am incredibly optimistic about this project and believe that it has the potential to be a huge success, both for fans of the original toy line and for new viewers alike.