Just like Blockbuster and Woolworths, Toys 'R' Us was a staple of the 80s and 90s. I can still remember my auntie and uncle taking me whenever I visited them in Sheffield, walking around and hoping I might meet Geoffrey the Giraffe while walking around the aisles. While it's undoubtedly a retail icon and one that has given countless 90s kids like me incredible memories over the years, I wouldn't have ever had it down as the subject of a live action movie.
Still, that's exactly what's happening! The news dropped in an article posted by Variety with co-founders of media company Story Kitchen Dmitri M. Johnson and Mike Goldberg explaining their plans, saying in a statement 'Toys 'R' Us is a cultural touchstone that continues impacting the child in all of us today. As ‘80s kids who considered Toys 'R' Us one of the most magical places on Earth, we’re honored to partner to create a film that will capture the spirit of adventure, creativity and nostalgia that Toys’R’Us represents.'
Story Kitchen, a company more known for adapting video games and working on the first Sonic the Hedgehog movie, are teaming with Toys 'R' Us studios to bring all the magic that we've loved from the brand over the years to cinemas. President of the brand Kim Miller Olko said, 'It will be a journey as boundless as play itself, evoking the electric sense of wonder that is the essence of Toys 'R' Us. This story will capture the imagination, adventure and joy that has made Toys 'R' Us a destination for kids of all ages.'
As for what the film might look like, its being compared to Ben Stiller's 'Night at the Museum' and other blockbusters like Jumanji and Back to the Future, which coincidentally you could have rented from Blockbuster back in the day. I don't have any information as to who could be in it yet, but plans are reportedly underway.
Perhaps if this film does well, Story Kitchen could tackle Woolworths and Blockbusters too in a sort of retail trilogy - that would be the ultimate homage to the 90s right there!
