After nearly 40 years of attempts, Masters of the Universe is returning to the big screen, and fans are thrilled for a new chance at success. But it’s not the only classic toy line heading to theaters—a beloved action figure from 34 years ago is surprisingly getting its own live-action movie soon.
Mattel Studios has tapped Tracie Laymon to write and direct a new live-action movie based on Tony the Tattooed Man (according to Deadline). Laymon recently directed Bob Trevino Likes It, which was a popular film at SXSW. She plans to update the 1990s action figure into a more dramatic, character-focused story – an interesting approach that could be successful with the right creative vision.
What Is Tony the Tattooed Man (And How Are They Going To Make It Work As A Movie)
Tony the Tattooed Man was first introduced as a toy in 1992. The figure featured a muscular character named Tony who was covered in tattoos. It came with three sheets of temporary, water-soluble tattoos and a special applicator, letting kids decorate Tony’s body. The tattoos could also be applied to people, and easily washed off with soap and water.
The toy line included various tattoo packs with themes like ‘Crawlers,’ ‘East My Dust,’ ‘Gnarly Surfing Toos,’ ‘Crazy Commando,’ and ‘Totally Gross.’ All the figures had the same basic design – one expression and leopard-print shorts. While the line wasn’t very popular at the time, it’s since become a favorite among toy collectors.
So, how do you actually make this work? Luckily, the story already has a strong core idea. Focusing on the characters is crucial, but Laymon also wants to combine fantastical elements with genuine emotion. He describes it as a story about getting another chance and not making assumptions about people, and even these early details give you a sense of the direction he’s taking with the narrative.
Laymon was instantly captivated by ‘Tony the Tattooed Man’ after discovering the story of this discontinued toy. He sees Tony’s journey as a powerful message about giving people second chances and not making assumptions based on appearances – a message he feels is especially important today. He expressed his excitement about collaborating with Mattel, praising their support for artists and their commitment to a film that he believes will inspire hope.
Robbie Brenner, head of Mattel Studios, was impressed by Tracie’s work on Bob Trevino Likes It, particularly how detailed and emotionally resonant her characters were. Because of this, she felt Tracie was the ideal person to develop Tony the Tattooed Man, a story Brenner believes is timely and emphasizes the importance of looking beyond appearances and approaching others with understanding.
No release date has been revealed, but we’ll keep you posted as we learn more.
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2026-02-04 02:11