Amazon MGM Partners with Beau Flynn to Develop Squishmallows Feature Film

Key points

• Amazon MGM is licensing the Squishmallows brand and co-producing a feature film with creator Jazwares.
• Producer Beau Flynn, known for 'Moana' and 'Hello Kitty', is attached to the project, with Shelby Thomas overseeing the effort under the FlynnPictureCo banner.
• The studio intends to create a global-facing, four-quadrant event, but the film's format (animated, live-action, or hybrid) and creative attachments have not yet been revealed.
• Squishmallows, launched in 2017, is a billion-dollar venture in 60 countries, with over 600 million toys sold and an estimated two sold per second.
• The brand features over 3,000 characters, including 'Cam the Cat' and 'Lil Gouda,' and has cross-generational appeal, extending into licensing for apparel and home decor.

Background

This development follows a broader trend of major studios adapting popular toy and character brands into family films, as seen in recent projects like the 'Hello Kitty' animated film set for 2028. It also aligns with the industry's focus on high-profile, cross-generational IP to drive box office and merchandise revenue.

Why it matters

The Squishmallows film represents a significant investment by Amazon MGM in a proven, high-demand consumer brand, signaling a strategic push into the lucrative family and four-quadrant market. The involvement of a top-tier producer like Beau Flynn underscores the studio's intent to create a major, globally successful event, potentially impacting the competitive landscape for family entertainment and IP-driven projects.

What to watch

The next steps will likely involve the announcement of the film's format (animated, live-action, or hybrid), the selection of a director and writer, and the finalization of the creative team. The project's progress will be a key indicator of Amazon MGM's strategy for its family film slate.