That headline isn’t the beginning of a joke — it’s actually happening. Hasbro is teaming up once with Sony Pictures Animation and Adam Sandler's Happy Madison to make an animated film based on the Tonka toy line, most popular for its construction equipment and trucks.
Sony describes this upcoming animated feature as “multi-generational” and “inventive.” Unsurprisingly, Bob Osher, president of Sony Pictures Digital Productions, seems rather excited about the film:
“In its 65 years, Tonka has become more than a toy or a brand; Tonka trucks are a rite of passage for kids all around the world. Time spent with these toys creates memories that last a lifetime as kids are inspired to play using the boundaries of their imagination. We look forward to creating a family-friendly motion picture that brings the Tonka experience to life.”
The Hollywood Reporter reveals that Fred Wolf will take up screenwriting duties. This will the scribe’s first time writing a family-oriented film, as previous scripts include Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star, Joe Dirt and Grown Ups. He also wrote sketches for Saturday Night Live in the '90s.
Sandler isn’t currently attached for a voice role, but if and when that becomes the case, we shouldn’t be too surprised. This won't be Sandler's first foray into kiddie territory either; he led Disney’s live-action family comedy Bedtime Stories and recently played both leading roles in Jack and Jill, the latter of which recently broke records at the Razzie Awards.
Additionally, Sandler is attached to lead Universal’s feature-film adaptation of another Hasbro property, the board game Candy Land.
Bennett Schneir and Brian Goldner, the CEO and president of Hasbro, will take up production duties alongside Happy Madison. There’s no word yet on when to expect the Tonka-based film in theaters.
