Tracie Laymon, the filmmaker behind recent SXSW prize-winner Bob Trevino Likes It, has been enlisted to write and direct a live-action Tony the Tattooed Man feature for Mattel Studios.
First introduced in 1992, Tony the Tattooed Man was an illustratable muscle-bound action figure, inviting kids to decorate his body with soluble temporary tattoos applied by hand and to continually customize and reimagine his appearance. Given its short time on the market, the novelty toy has added value now as a rare vintage collectible.
Laymon aims to reimagine the cult-favorite action figure as the centerpiece of a character-driven drama that blends surreal fantasy with emotional depth. The project will be overseen by Darian Greenbaum and Steve Spohr for Mattel Studios, with Robbie Brenner producing on behalf of Mattel. Ivan Sanchez is also serving as a producer.
Brenner, Mattel Studios’ President and Chief Content Officer, said: “After seeing Bob Trevino Likes It and the specificity and emotional depth that Tracie brings to her characters, I knew that she was the perfect person to develop Tony the Tattooed Man. It’s a story that feels especially relevant today, one that explores looking beyond first impressions and leading with empathy.”
Laymon shared, for her part: “I was immediately drawn to Tony the Tattooed Man from the minute I saw his name and then learned about his short-lived journey as a discontinued toy. His story is a reminder of the healing power of second chances and not judging a book – or a person – by their cover, a message I believe the world needs right now. It is an honor to partner with Mattel, who are true allies for artists, on a film that will help restore our faith in humanity.”
Laymon’s breakout feature Bob Trevino Likes It, starring John Leguizamo and Barbie Ferreira, premiered at the 2024 SXSW Film Festival, where it won both the Grand Jury Award for Best Narrative Feature and the Audience Award. Following a lonely young woman who strikes up a relationship online with a stranger who shares her father’s name, the film was acquired by Roadside Attractions and released in theaters in March of last year.
A Texas-native, Laymon spent some of her formative teen years in Russia before returning to the States for college. As a fierce advocate for the inclusion and representation of gender diversity and people with disabilities in front of and behind the camera, her goal is to amplify diverse perspectives through underdog stories. In addition to Tony the Tattooed Man, she is currently writing her next original feature.
Mattel Studios recently enlisted Hannah Hafey & Kaitlin Smith to write their live-action Monster High movie, as we first reported early last month. The studio’s anticipated first live-action feature, on the heels of the 2023 cultural phenomenon Barbie, is Masters of the Universe, starring Nicholas Galitzine, which Amazon MGM releases in North America on June 5. Apple, Skydance and Mattel’s live-action Matchbox movie, starring John Cena, is also expected to bow in 2026.
Laymon is represented by Verve, Artists First, and Yorn, Barnes, Levine.
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