Johannesburg, 19 August 2024 – Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT), a global leader in toy and family entertainment, is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated return of Hot Wheels Let’s Race for its second season, debuting on Netflix on Monday, September 9. Season 1, which premiered in March 2024, quickly captured audiences worldwide, spending four weeks in the Global Top 10 TV (English) and hitting the Top 10 TV shows in 69 countries. Fans of the franchise can now look forward to even more heart-pounding action, thrilling races, and epic stunts in the new season.
What to Expect in Season 2 of Hot Wheels Let’s Race
Season 2 takes viewers back to the high-octane world of Hot Wheels Let’s Race, where fan-favourites Coop, Spark, Mac, Brights, Axle, and Sidecar return for a new round of challenges. Developed by Mattel Television Studios, the series continues to draw inspiration from the world’s number-one selling toy,* delivering a perfect blend of comedy and action that appeals to both kids and adults. This season, the stakes are higher than ever as the racers advance to the next level of training at the Ultimate Garage, vying for control of the entire facility.
Adding to the excitement, Season 2 introduces a mysterious new racer, Cruise, who drives the fearsome Street Shrieker. As the racers battle it out for supremacy, viewers can expect a series packed with adrenaline-fueled races, intense stunt contests, and even more jaw-dropping moments that are sure to keep the entire family on the edge of their seats.
A Soundtrack That Keeps the Pulse Racing
The music for Hot Wheels Let’s Race continues to be a standout element of the show, with Patrick Stump, the award-winning musician and lead vocalist for Fall Out Boy, returning to compose, record, and produce the series’ soundtrack. Stump’s contribution to the show includes the theme song, score, underscore, and music cues for all episodes, ensuring that the series’ soundtrack is as dynamic and thrilling as the races themselves.
Stump shares his personal connection to the project, saying, “I spent a lot of my childhood in my grandpa’s garage, helping him with tools while he worked on cars and I daydreamed about music. Hot Wheels was my way of connecting to his love of cars, so being part of this project is a dream come true. The word I always use to describe the music for this series is ‘pulse.’ There’s a rhythm and tempo that kicks in as soon as the tyres hit the iconic orange track. It’s a joy to be part of that, and I can’t wait for a new generation of kids to experience Hot Wheels Let’s Race on Netflix this year.”
A Legacy of Success and Future Ambitions
As Hot Wheels celebrates its 56th year in 2024, the brand shows no signs of slowing down. The franchise is on track to make 2024 its seventh consecutive year of record highs, with Hot Wheels Let’s Race playing a significant role in its ongoing success. Beyond the animated series, the Hot Wheels brand continues to captivate fans with its extensive product offerings, including toy vehicles, racing sets, digital experiences like the Hot Wheels NFT Garage and Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged, live events such as the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live tour, and a range of storybooks and activity books from Mattel Press.
In addition to these offerings, Mattel is also working on a live-action Hot Wheels film in partnership with Warner Bros. Pictures, with J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot set to produce. This expansion into various media forms highlights Mattel’s commitment to keeping the Hot Wheels brand at the forefront of entertainment for fans of all ages.
Meet the Creative Team Behind Hot Wheels Let’s Race
Hot Wheels Let’s Race was developed for television by Rob David, Vice President of Content Creative at Mattel Television Studios, along with Melanie Shannon, Senior Manager, Creative Content at Mattel Television Studios, and Jordan Gershowitz. The series is executive produced by Rob David, Christopher Keenan, and Fred Soulie, with Mike Roberts serving as Creative Producer and Diane A. Crea as Senior Producer. Animation services for the show are provided by Sprite Animation and OLM Digital, ensuring that the series continues to deliver top-notch visuals and storytelling.
Conclusion
The return of Hot Wheels Let’s Race for a second season is set to delight fans both young and old. With its action-packed races, engaging characters, and pulse-pounding music, the series continues to build on the legacy of one of the most iconic toy brands in history. Be sure to tune in to Netflix on September 9 to catch all the excitement as Coop, Spark, Mac, and the gang take on their toughest challenges yet.
