Universal Pictures developing Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots film with Vin Diesel

Mattel has announced plans to develop the iconic Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots tabletop game into a live-action motion picture — with Vin Diesel set to star.

Mattel Films is working with Universal Pictures on the project, as well as Diesel’s production company, One Race Films. Mattel Films will also produce the project alongside Diesel and Samantha Vincent (“The Fast and the Furious” franchise) from One Race Films.

Ryan Engle (“Rampage,” “The Commuter”) wrote the screenplay for the action-adventure film, which follows a father and son who form an unlikely bond with an advanced war machine. Kevin McKeon will lead the project for Mattel Films.

“To take the classic Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em game, with Mattel as my partner, and align it with the kind of world building, franchise making success we have had with Universal, is truly exciting,” said Diesel.

Originally debuted in 1966, the tabletop game was inspired by an arcade boxing game with pitted Red Rocker against Blue Bomber in a fight to knock his rivals block off. The brand has since appeared in films, television shows, and commercials over the past 50 years.

This will be the second project in development between Mattel Films and Universal Pictures, which are also developing a film based on the “Wishbone” television series. Other Mattel films are also in the pipeline, including movies based on American Girl, Barbie, Barney, Hot Wheels, Magic 8 Ball, Major Matt Mason, Masters of the Universe, Thomas & Friends, UNO, and View-Master.