The world of Bakugan is about to get bigger! Spin Master Entertainment has officially announced that a live-action Bakugan movie is in development, with Brad Peyton set to direct, write, and produce. Known for blockbuster action films like Rampage and San Andreas, Peyton is bringing his expertise to the beloved anime-inspired franchise, which has captivated fans for over a decade.
With its roots in an innovative toy line, anime series, and strategic card game, Bakugan has become a global phenomenon, generating over $1 billion in sales worldwide. Now, as fans of the original 2007 craze enter adulthood, Spin Master is reimagining the franchise for a new generation, promising an epic, action-packed adventure on the big screen.
The Legacy of Bakugan: From Toys to a Global Phenomenon
First launched in 2007, Bakugan quickly became a massive hit, blending an innovative toy line with an anime adventure series, a strategic card game, and digital content. At the heart of the franchise are spring-loaded miniature figures that transform from marble-like balls into battle-ready creatures, creating an engaging mix of strategy and action for players.
Over the years, Spin Master Entertainment has played a crucial role in expanding Bakugan’s universe. The company has co-produced nearly 300 episodes of the Bakugan TV series, which has aired worldwide, further solidifying the franchise’s influence. The toy line has also seen continued success, selling in over 100 countries and generating more than $1 billion in sales to date.
Now, with the live-action adaptation, Spin Master is set to introduce Bakugan to an even wider audience, offering both longtime fans and newcomers an exciting new way to experience the action-packed world of Bakugan battles.
The History of the Bakugan Movie: From Concept to Reality
The journey of the Bakugan live-action movie began over a decade ago. In December 2010, an exciting announcement was made that Universal Pictures and Spin Master Ltd. were joining forces to bring Bakugan to the big screen.
The film was set to be a live-action adaptation of the popular franchise, with Harald Zwart tapped as the director. Scott Stuber and Ronnen Harary from Spin Master were set to produce the film. However, after the announcement, there was a long silence with no further news or updates regarding the project.
Fast forward to 2017, when Spin Master, during its Q4 financial results conference call, mentioned the ongoing development of the Bakugan franchise reboot. During this call, Ronnen Harary hinted that the company was also working towards making the long-anticipated live-action movie a reality in the coming years, but no official details were shared.
In an interview in 2022, Jason Deline, a key figure involved in the Generation 1 Bakugan series, revealed that there were early discussions about a live-action film featuring a CGI model of Drago during the final years of the original series. However, these plans never came to fruition, and the idea was put on hold.
It wasn’t until February 6th, 2025, that a new breakthrough occurred. Deadline published a report confirming that Spin Master had teamed up with Brad Peyton, the director known for his work on films like Rampage and San Andreas, to bring the Bakugan movie to life. The following day, Spin Master officially confirmed the collaboration, marking the official return of the live-action film project.
This marks a new chapter for the franchise, as the long-anticipated live-action movie is finally becoming a reality under the direction of Brad Peyton, who is eager to reimagine the epic Bakugan world for both old and new fans. With a history full of twists and turns, the movie is now officially in development, and anticipation is building for the exciting future of the Bakugan franchise on the big screen.
Brad Peyton Takes the Helm
Bringing Bakugan to the big screen is none other than Brad Peyton, an accomplished filmmaker known for delivering high-octane action and visually stunning spectacles. Peyton will direct, write, and produce the live-action adaptation, working alongside Lindsay Harbert and Spin Master Entertainment to develop the screenplay.
Peyton has built a strong reputation in the industry with a track record of successful blockbusters. His 2018 film, Rampage, starring Dwayne Johnson, grossed $428 million worldwide, while his earlier disaster thriller, San Andreas, raked in $475 million, making it one of Johnson’s highest-grossing non-franchise films. Most recently, he directed and produced Netflix’s Atlas, starring Jennifer Lopez and Simu Liu.
Beyond feature films, Peyton has also left his mark in television. He co-created and directed Netflix’s Daybreak, a post-apocalyptic comedy series, and helmed the historical drama Frontier, starring Jason Momoa. With such an extensive background in action-driven storytelling, Peyton is confident that his vision for Bakugan will do justice to the franchise’s dynamic battles and rich universe.
“Bakugan is ready for the film treatment, and I’m thrilled to be the one to bring it to the big screen for the very first time. With Lindsay and the Spin Master team alongside me, we’re excited to build a hit franchise with global appeal. I am confident we will create a must-see film event that does justice to the unique and epic world that is Bakugan,” said Peyton.
Spin Master’s Vision: Expanding the Bakugan Universe
Jennifer Dodge, president of Spin Master Entertainment, expressed the company’s excitement about working with Brad Peyton to bring Bakugan to the big screen. “As fans who were part of its initial craze now enter adulthood, we are thrilled to be working with accomplished filmmaking talent like Brad to reimagine Bakugan in live action, expanding the franchise for fans while introducing it to new audiences around the world,” she said.
In addition to the live-action movie, Spin Master has already been expanding its portfolio of successful films, including the upcoming third installment of the Paw Patrol franchise, slated for release in 2026. This commitment to a diverse slate of projects shows Spin Master’s confidence in its ability to build hit franchises that resonate with audiences across various demographics. The studio’s growing presence in the film industry further highlights its dedication to bringing beloved properties like Bakugan to new heights.
Wrapping Up
With the live-action Bakugan movie in the works, the beloved franchise is poised to take the world by storm once again. Under the direction of Brad Peyton, the film will bring a fresh perspective to the Bakugan universe, blending the epic battles and strategic gameplay that fans love with stunning visuals and immersive storytelling. As Spin Master Entertainment works alongside Peyton to reimagine Bakugan for the big screen, the future of this global phenomenon is brighter than ever.
The multi-generational fanbase that has followed Bakugan for years is eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the saga, while new audiences will have the chance to experience the excitement for the first time. From the explosive battles to the iconic monsters and the rich world-building, the movie promises to be a thrilling ride that honours the legacy of Bakugan while introducing it to a whole new generation.