Another Classic Toy Is Officially Getting a Barbie-Style Adaptation

Published Nov 4, 2026, 4:00 PM EST Shaun Corley has been with ScreenRant for over 5 years, and is currently the Coordinator for PR and Outreach for the Comics Team. Another classic toy property will soon get a Barbie-style adaptation. Over the past decade, Hollywood has put into production live-action movies based on classic toy franchises. Perhaps inspired by the success of the Transformers, a wave of movies inspired by classic toys and games appeared, such as Battleship as well as a pair of GI JOE films. In 2023, this wave of nostalgia-based films hit a new crescendo with the release of Barbie in theaters. Directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie in the title role, Barbie was an unexpected hit with both fans and critics. Gerwig, who cut her teeth directing and starring in arthouse-oriented fare like Frances Ha, brought these sensibilities to bear on Barbie. More than just a love letter to the toy line, Barbie also tackled issues of gender and sexuality. This unlikely element not only endeared the film to Gerwig’s target demographic, but, surprisingly, the public as well. In the wake of Barbie’s success, parent company Mattel began developing films and television shows based around other franchises it owns. This year saw the release of Masters of the Universe, a live-action retelling of the 1980s cartoon and toy line. While not as successful at the box office as Barbie, the film is developing a following on streaming. Now, another classic IP from Mattel’s storied history is getting a Barbie-esque adaptation. Mattel Press Will Release A Rock 'Em, Sock 'Em Robots Graphic Novel Image courtesy of License Global As reported today on License Global, Mattel Press has announced three new projects for 2027, including a Rock ‘Em, Sock ‘Em Robots graphic novel. Titled Rock ‘Em, Sock ‘Em Robots: We’re Gonna Need a Bigger Bot, the book will be written by Dustin Brady and drawn by Dave Bardin. It will also be the first in a line of graphic novels based on the Rock ‘Em, Sock ‘Em Robots franchise. Mattel Press released a plot synopsis, which reads as follows: The story reimagines the Blue Bomber and Red Rocker as independent creations built by two competing inventors seeking control over a city called Downs Town. The book is set for a Summer 2027 release, and is aimed at readers aged five through eight. Rock ‘Em, Sock ‘Em Robots was not the only new book Mattel Press has announced. In addition to We’re Gonna Need a Bigger Bot, the publisher will also release Moonspell School for Witches. Aimed at a more teenage audience, it too will debut in 2027. It will be joined by Chatty Cathy and Planet Silent, also releasing next summer. The talent Mattel Press has assembled for its first Rock ‘Em, Sock ‘Em Robots graphic novel is impressive. Writer Dustin Brady is no stranger to the children’s fiction field, having written the successful Trapped in a Video Game series, as well as World’s Worst Time Machine. Brady’s collaborator, Dave Bardin, has drawn graphic novels based on the Hello Neighbor game series. Both creators’ work in young adult and children’s fiction makes them perfect for this project. Rock ‘Em, Sock ‘Em Robots is one of the most beloved franchises in toy history, and one with a deep history. Originally designed to be a boxing game, Rock ‘Em, Sock ‘Em Robots became an instant smash when it hit shelves in 1964. First developed by the Marx Toy Company, Rock ‘Em, Sock ‘Em Robots would stay in circulation well into the 1970s, and the game even achieved a boost in popularity thanks to Star Wars. However, Marx Toys went out of business in the early 1980s, but Mattel resurrected the franchise in the 2000s. Marx Toys gave Rock ‘Em, Sock ‘Em Robots their own backstory, and from these scant details, Brady and Bardin have fashioned what is sure to be another classic toy adaptation, in the same vein as Barbie. As noted earlier, what made Barbie a hit was its willingness to ask tough questions (in a humorous fashion) about important social issues. Rock ‘Em, Sock ‘Em Robots have the same potential. An adaptation could examine not only issues surrounding artificial intelligence, but also masculinity and the role of violence in society, making it another unlikely hit for Mattel.