February 4, 2021 – The classic card game UNO is getting the Hollywood treatment. Mattel Films and rapper Lil Yachty to co-produce UNO live-action film. There have been some interesting game to live entertainment adaptions but this seems like it might be one of the most challenging. Details are sparse but it looks like it is going in the direction of a comedic action adventure. Just speculating on our part, but Jumanji was a comedic action adventure, and that appears to be a justifiable bar that board game adaptions are looking to live up to.
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Mattel Films will produce the project alongside Grammy-nominated rapper Lil Yachty. In addition, Quality Control’s Kevin “Coach K” Lee, Pierre “P” Thomas and Brian Sher will produce for Quality Films. Marcy Kelly penned the screenplay for the action heist comedy, set in the underground hip hop world of Atlanta. Robbie Brenner, executive producer, and Kevin McKeon, supervising producer, will lead the project for Mattel Films.
“At Mattel Films, we are looking to explore stories that bring our brands to life in unexpected ways,” said Brenner. “UNO is a game that transcends generations and cultures and we look forward to partnering with Lil Yachty, as well as with Coach, P and Brian Sher, to transform the classic UNO game into a comedic action adventure.”
“I’m so excited to be part of this film with Mattel,” added Yachty. “I played UNO as a kid and still do today, so to spin that into a movie based on the Atlanta hip hop scene I came out of is really special. It hits close to home for me.”
Conceived in 1971 in a barbershop in Cincinnati, Ohio, UNO was created as a way for families to spend time together, and quickly became a household staple. Five decades later, UNO, now available in over 80 countries, has grown into a global sensation that offers fans of all ages a variety of innovative card-based and digital games. In celebration of UNO’s 50th anniversary this year, Mattel is releasing one of the brand’s largest product lines offering new twists on gameplay, is planning a global UNO Tournament and is collaborating with a variety of iconic names across art, fashion, sports and more.
UNO joins other Mattel Films projects in development including movies based on American Girl®, Barbie®, Barney®, Hot Wheels®, Magic 8 Ball®, Major Matt Mason®, Masters of the Universe®, Thomas & Friends®, View Master® and Wishbone™.
Lil Yachty is represented by ICM Partners and Uwonda Carter Scott. Kelly is represented by 3Arts Entertainment and JYWAMM. Information released via a press release from Mattel Films.
