Hannah Hafey & Kaitlin Smith to Write Live-Action “Monster High” Film from Mattel Studios, Universal Pictures and Weed Road

• Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) announced that screenwriters Hannah Hafey & Kaitlin Smith have been tapped to write the live-action Monster High theatrical feature, building on the previously announced partnership with Universal Pictures, Akiva Goldsman’s Weed Road, and director Gerard Johnstone (M3GAN).
• Hafey & Smith are rising voices in film and television whose work has been recognized on the annual Black List three times, most recently with their new spec script Entertaining on this year’s list.
• Hafey & Smith’s feature script Rachel Nevada is in development at Paramount Pictures, produced by Ryan Reynolds’ Maximum Effort.The duo also penned St. Mary’s Catholic School Presents The Vagina Monologues for Amazon Studios, with Tanya Wexler directing and Di Novi Pictures producing. On the television side, Hafey & Smith sold Misfit City to HBOMax, with BOOM! Studios producing.
• Monster High will feature an original story based on Mattel’s beloved fashion dolls imagined as the children of legendary monsters. First introduced in 2010, Monster High immediately became a beloved, expansive universe rich with inclusive storytelling and doll play, fostering a fandom that spans generations. The brand continues to encourage fans of all ages to embrace their authentic selves and what makes them unique. 
• The film will be directed by Gerard Johnstone (M3GAN) and produced by Robbie Brenner for Mattel Studios and Akiva Goldsman for Weed Road, with Universal Pictures overseeing distribution; the project is overseen by Darian Greenbaum for Mattel, Greg Lessans for Weed Road, and Lexi Barta, Senior Vice President of Production, and Jacqueline Garell, Director of Production Development, for Universal Pictures.
• Mattel Studios’ vision is to collaborate with leading creators to make standout quality content based on Mattel’s iconic brands that will resonate in culture and appeal to global audiences.
• Hafey & Smith are represented by Gersh and Jack Greenbaum at The Arlook Group.

About Mattel
Mattel is a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends™, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Matchbox®, Monster High®, Polly Pocket®, and Barney®, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us at mattel.com.