Lena Dunham has signed on to write and direct a live-action screen adaptation of the popular Mattel micro-doll brand, Polly Pocket. The movie, which is set to be produced and distributed by MGM, in partnership with Mattel Films, will be produced by Lily Collins, who will also play the title role.
Dunham’s production company, Good Thing Going, will also produce the movie, which will follow the young eponymous protagonist, a pocket-sized woman who forms a friendship. The Golden Globe-winning filmmaker released a statement yesterday about the upcoming project, in which she expressed her excitement about penning and helming the feature.
“Polly Pocket was responsible for countless hours of childhood escapism for me – Polly gave me a tiny world of magic and autonomy to narrate, so it’s pretty poetic to be tackling these same ideas now as a director collaborating with the brilliant Lily Collins, Mattel and MGM,” the Girls creator-actress-writer-director-executive producer said. “I’m so thrilled to bring to bear both my love of this historic property and also my deep-seated belief that young women need smart playful films that speak to them without condescension.”
Collins, who garnered a Golden Globe Award nomination earlier this year for her portrayal of the title character on the Netflix comedy-drama series, Emily in Paris, also shared her excitement about taking part in the Polly Pocket screen adaption. She state: “I’m so excited to partner with this inspiring powerhouse of a team. Developing this project with Lena, Mattel and MGM to reintroduce Polly in a fun, modern way has been such a treat. As a child who was obsessed with Polly Pocket, this is a real dream come true and I can’t wait to bring these tiny toys to the big screen.”
Robbie Brenner, the Executive Vice President and Executive Producer, and Kevin McKeon, the Vice President of Film Production, for Mattel Films have signed on to oversee the feature. MGM’s Vice President of Production, Sandino Moya-Smith, and Creative Executive, Winnie Carrillo, will lead the movie for the studio. Good Thing Going’s Liz Watson and Michael P. Cohen will serve as executive producers on the film.
Polly Pocket, which was launched in 1989, is the number one global playset dolls growth property, according to market research company, NPD Group. After the doll line was discontinued in 2015, Mattel reintroduced the brand in 2018. The new product line pays homage to the brand’s origins, while also updating the tiny doll for a new generation, with such new features as hidden worlds and surprise formats. Besides the upcoming live-action feature film, the property has also launched an animated television series and YouTube content.
Polly Pocket will join other Mattel Films projects that are currently in development and based on popular toys from the brand. The previously announced screen adaptations of Mattel toy lines include American Girl, Barbie, Barney, Hot Wheels, Magic 8 Ball, Major Matt Mason, Masters of the Universe, Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots, Thomas & Friends, UNO, View Master and Wishbone.