The history of turning toys into successful film franchises has been challenging, often dismissed as cash grabs or popcorn fare. However, “The Lego Movie” proved that movies based on toys could be more than just commercials. Released ten years ago, the film was a hit with audiences and critics, setting the stage for other successful Lego films like “The Lego Batman Movie” and “The Lego Ninjago Movie.” However, Lego’s theatrical output halted after their deal with Warner Bros expired in 2020.

Despite the pause in theatrical releases, Lego has continued to create content for streaming and home video. To celebrate the tenth anniversary of “The Lego Movie,” Jill Wilfert, Lego’s head of global entertainment, discussed the journey of the film from toy-chest to big screen. While not confirming reports of new projects, Wilfert mentioned that Lego and Universal are actively developing a range of ideas and concepts for future films.

The development process for “The Lego Movie” took almost seven years, with the brand being cautious about agreeing to a film adaptation that would stay true to its values. The film’s success exceeded expectations, both commercially and critically. Following the success of the first film, Lego released three more movies theatrically, but decided to take a pause and reevaluate their strategy after a series of releases clustered together.

Lego chose to partner with Universal Pictures after their deal with Warner Bros expired, believing that Universal understood the brand well and were true fans. The landscape of toy-to-film adaptations has evolved over the past decade, with Lego playing a significant role in changing perceptions. The brand has seen tremendous growth in its adult audience in the last ten years, contributing to a shift in the way toy adaptations are perceived.

While Lego movies aim to attract all audiences, including adults, the brand remains focused on delivering content that aligns with its values and inspires creativity. An upcoming project called “Piece by Piece,” a Lego-themed Pharrell biopic directed by Morgan Neville, showcases the brand’s commitment to unique and innovative storytelling. As Lego’s deal with Universal expires next year, there is speculation about potential future collaborations, including possibilities with Dan Lin and Netflix, but no formal plans have been announced at this time.

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