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M. Night Shyamalan and Brad Falchuk to Bring Magic 8 Ball to Television
READ TIME: 4 MIN.
In a move set to intrigue both fans of psychological thrillers and pop culture aficionados, Mattel Studios has announced that acclaimed filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan will helm a new live-action series based on the Magic 8 Ball, the iconic fortune-telling toy. The series, described as a high-concept, character-driven supernatural drama, will see Shyamalan serve as director, co-creator, and co-showrunner, working alongside Brad Falchuk, the Emmy-winning writer and producer known for "American Horror Story" and "Glee" .
The announcement was confirmed by Shyamalan himself, who teased the project via Instagram with a photo of the pilot episode’s script, a Magic 8 Ball perched atop the manuscript and a caption reading, "Been working on this for a couple years… Who’s in? #ItIsCertain #Magic8Ball" .
This project signals Mattel’s continued expansion into film and television, building on the blockbuster success of "Barbie," which grossed $1.4 billion globally and reignited interest in media adaptations of toy brands . In addition to Magic 8 Ball, Mattel has a slate of adaptations in the pipeline, including "Masters of the Universe," "Hot Wheels," "Polly Pocket," and "Barney" .
The Magic 8 Ball toy dates back to the 1950s and has sold millions of units annually, recognized for its spherical shape and mysterious answers to yes-or-no questions. Mattel’s decision to reimagine the toy as the focal point of a supernatural thriller reflects a growing trend of mining nostalgia to create new, genre-blending entertainment .
The involvement of M. Night Shyamalan brings a distinctive creative vision to the project. Known for films like "The Sixth Sense," "Signs," and "Old," as well as for producing and directing the Apple TV+ series "Servant," Shyamalan’s work is marked by psychological depth, suspense, and supernatural elements. This marks his most significant television role to date, following his directorial work on the premiere of "Wayward Pines," which set ratings records for Fox .
Brad Falchuk’s background in creating genre-spanning series such as "American Horror Story" and "Glee" positions him as an ideal collaborator. Falchuk will write, co-create, and co-showrun the series with Shyamalan, promising a blend of psychological intensity and cultural intrigue that could set the series apart in the current TV landscape .
While specific plot details and casting information remain under wraps, early descriptions suggest the show will use the Magic 8 Ball as a narrative device to explore fate, decision-making, and the unpredictability of life. The partnership between Shyamalan and Falchuk—each known for pushing the boundaries of their respective genres—raises expectations that the series will offer both psychological suspense and insightful character studies .
This is not the first time Hollywood has adapted toys for the screen, but the Magic 8 Ball’s abstract and open-ended premise provides the creative team with significant flexibility. With Mattel’s backing, the series is poised to attract both nostalgic fans and a new generation of viewers interested in supernatural drama .
