Bakugan Live-Action Movie in Development with 'San Andreas' Director

Spin Master Corp. has officially announced the development of a live-action film based on the beloved Bakugan franchise. Brad Peyton, known for directing blockbusters like "San Andreas" and "Atlas," has joined the project as director, writer, and producer. Peyton will collaborate with Lindsay Harbert on the screenplay in partnership with Spin Master Entertainment.

The Rise of a Global Phenomenon

Since its launch in 2007, Bakugan has evolved from a popular toy line into a comprehensive entertainment franchise, encompassing anime series, digital content, and trading card games. Spin Master Entertainment has produced over 300 episodes of various Bakugan anime series, successfully reaching audiences worldwide. The toy line has achieved remarkable success, becoming a global phenomenon with distribution in more than 100 countries.

Industry Veterans at the Helm

Jennifer Dodge, President of Spin Master Entertainment, expressed her enthusiasm for the project: "Bakugan is a global brand built on compelling characters and action-packed battles, with a dedicated fanbase spanning multiple generations. We're thrilled to collaborate with an accomplished filmmaker like Brad to bring Bakugan to life in live-action format, aiming to both deepen our connection with existing fans and attract new audiences."

Brad Peyton shared his vision for the project, stating, "Bakugan is ready for the big screen, and I'm excited to be the one bringing it to life. Working alongside Lindsay and the Spin Master team, we aim to create a powerful film series with global appeal. I believe we'll deliver a cinematic event that does justice to this unique and epic world."

Track Record of Success

Peyton brings significant experience to the project, having recently directed and produced the Netflix film "Atlas" starring Jennifer Lopez and Simu Liu. His portfolio includes successful collaborations with Dwayne Johnson on high-grossing action films like "Rampage" ($428 million worldwide) and "San Andreas" ($475 million worldwide). In television, Peyton has worked on notable series including "Daybreak" and the Jason Momoa-led "Frontier."

Expanding Entertainment Horizons

The Bakugan film represents part of Spin Master's broader entertainment strategy. The company is simultaneously developing the third PAW Patrol movie with Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies, scheduled for release in 2026. The first two films in this franchise have already demonstrated significant commercial success, generating over $345 million in global box office revenue.

Through this new adaptation, Spin Master Entertainment aims to strengthen its position in both live-action and animated film production, marking an exciting new chapter for the company and the Bakugan franchise.