Look to your left and then to your right: both of those people own Funko Pops. The impossibly popular toy company is now expanding further with a brand-new Funko movie.
According to Deadline, Warner Bros. has optioned the rights to Funko for a movie to be developed by Warner Animation Group based on the toys. Funko, which was founded 20 years ago, has been working with Warner Bros. for a long time already with its Batman, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and Looney Tunes toys, among others.
Warner Animation boss Allison Abbate said, “Their fresh take on pop culture make these figurines incredibly appealing to fans of all ages.”
Warner Bros. has hired some big-name talent to work on the Funko Pop movie. Teddy Newton, who worked on Disney movies like Ratatouille and The Incredibles and earned an Oscar nomination for his short film Day & Night, is writing the story. Meanwhile, Mark Dindal (Emperor’s New Groove, Aladdin, Chicken Little, The Little Mermaid) is also attached to the project.
Funko CEO Brian Mariotti said in a statement, “We’re thrilled for this opportunity and are committed to make an amazing Funko movie that stands on its own merit. This isn’t about selling toys or building a brand. The team at Warner Animation Group have a unique vision of what the first film should be and we are extremely excited to take this journey alongside them.”
Warner Bros. picking up the rights to Funko Pops for a movie doesn’t mean a movie will ever be made, only that they have the option to do so. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Whatever the case, it seems to be very early days for a potential Funko Pop movie.
Another toy company, Lego, found enormous success converting its toys into movie mega-franchises with The Lego Movie and The Lego Batman movie series, among others. Toy company Mattel is making a Barbie movie with Margot Robbie in the lead role, while a Settlers of Catan film is also in the works.
Funko’s line of Funko Pop toys are immensely popular, and Funko has partnered with numerous different companies, sports leagues, and more to create toys. There are Funko Pop toys for Bob Ross, The Dude, Pinhead, and Vampire Mr. Burns, among many, many others.
