Meccano, known as Erector Sets in the US, has got a movie deal. Just like the deal for a Viewmaster film, it begs the question how on earth you’re going to turn the toy into a moview, but apparently Hollywood doesn’t care and thinks the name alone is enough to build a franchise out of.
The screen rights to the sets, which are full of bits and pieces that allow you to engineer your own models, has been bought by the independent movie company, Helix Films, which Variety says plans to develop a 3D family adventure based on it. While Lego has successfully expanded its presence from construction sets into TV series and game – and recently set up a film deal of its own – this is the first venture outside toys for Meccano, and they’re hoping Helix won’t just be able to get a movie going, but also create properties based on the toys on other platforms.
God knows how a Meccanno movie will work, and Helix doesn’t seem sure either as they’ve yet to set a writer for the project, although no doubt the metal plates and screws will magically come to life and teach a young boy some life lessons as they battle an evil foe.