The storyline: It’s kind of like Close Encounters of the Third Kind drama for adults, and according to an insider speaking to The New Yorker: “It’s prestige-y and asks really pointed questions about life and our place in the universe.” Deep. The film: The novelist Michael Chabon has apparently written a treatment and Tom Hanks is being lined up as the moon-dwelling Major. The toy: A ‘60s astronaut who lives and works on the moon.

The storyline: Abrams told The New Yorker: “For a long time, we were talking to Mattel about Hot Wheels, and we couldn’t quite find the thing that clicked, that made it worthy of what Hot Wheels – that title – deserved … Then we came up with something emotional and grounded and gritty.” Major Matt Mason Abrams is jumping into the driving seat for this one. The toy: Stunt cars with a penchant for jumps, flips and speed.

The storyline: More existential dread than Barbie? A Mattel spokesperson said: “It’ll focus on some of the trials and tribulations of being thirtysomething, growing up with Barney – just the level of disenchantment within the generation.” Meanwhile, Kaluuya added elusively in the 2019 announcement of the film: “Barney was a ubiquitous figure in many of our childhoods, then he disappeared into the shadows, left misunderstood.” Still, they’ve already got Daniel Kaluuya on board and Beef creator Lee Sung Jin as writer, so it’s got as good a chance as any of not being terrible. The Guardian reckons it’s going to be an “adult”, “surrealistic” and “A24-type” film “inspired by Charlie Kaufman and Spike Jonze.” Sure. The film: Mattel executive Kevin McKeon has warned audiences to expect the unexpected with this one: “We’re leaning into the millennial angst of the property rather than fine-tuning this for kids,” he told The New Yorker. The toy: A bumbling giant purple T-Rex who adores singing about how much everyone loves each other.

Barney and friends season 14