Mattel Names Maluma, Supercar Blondie and Robert Lewandowski as Its First-ever Hot Wheels Class of Legends™ in New Challenge Accepted Campaign

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug 28, 2026--

Today, Hot Wheels announced Challenge Accepted, a global campaign championing the challenger spirit and the mindset that drives people to take risks, defy expectations and chase their passions. Throughout September, Hot Wheels will spotlight those who turn obstacles into opportunities and prove that the road to becoming legendary begins with the willingness to take on the next challenge.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260828690907/en/

At the center of the campaign are three global icons who have forged their own paths to success: global music superstar Maluma, the largest automotive content creator in the world and entrepreneur Supercar Blondie, and soccer champion Robert Lewandowski. Together, they form the first-ever Hot Wheels Class of Legends, bringing three distinct stories of ambition and perseverance all while showing what it means to accept the challenge. To commemorate, Hot Wheels also revealed today the first Global Legends Collection of die-cast cars to bring their stories to life. Each Legend has collaborated with Hot Wheels to co-design a collector-worthy die-cast car inspired by their personal experiences, automotive passion and challenger spirit. The result is the 2026 Global Legends Collection, the first Hot Wheels collection of its kind, featuring three vehicles that bring each legend’s story to 1:64 scale.

To kick off the campaign, Hot Wheels will be hosting a pop-up experience at The Brig in Venice, Calif., free for fans from August 28 – August 30. Guests will be able to see the Hot Wheels Class of Legends cars on display, see life-size Hot Wheels cars with exclusive giveaways, free beverages from AriZona Beverage Company and photo opps, including the introduction of Hot Wheels Zine, Hot Wheels’ first-ever print “zine”, available exclusively at the pop-up.

Alex Ries, VP, Global Head of Hot Wheels at Mattel, said: “Hot Wheels has always represented that moment when you decide to go for it, to take an idea, a dream or a challenge and see just how far you can push it. The challenger spirit is universal, and Maluma, Supercar Blondie and Robert Lewandowski each embody it in a completely unique way. They’ve taken risks, challenged expectations and continued to push forward to become legends in their own worlds. We are proud to welcome them to our inaugural Hot Wheels Class of Legends and can’t wait for fans all over the world to see their Challenge Accepted journeys.”

2026 Global Legends Collection

Maluma’s Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60 channels his Colombian roots and adventurous spirit, representing his drive to explore, take risks and keep moving forward.

Maluma said: “I’ve always believed in taking risks and trusting yourself, even when the path isn’t easy. Hot Wheels has been part of my life since I was a kid, so bringing my passion for cars together with my own journey through this collection is really special.”

Supercar Blondie’s Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4, “Lucy,” immortalizes her first supercar, which has become synonymous with her rise in the automotive world and her decision to create a lane entirely her own.

Alex Hirschi, Supercar Blondie, said: “It’s just a part of who I am, always saying yes to the next challenge, and I know it’s a challenge if it scares me. That’s how I’ve been able to grow. It’s nice feeling comfortable sometimes but accepting the next challenge is where success lies.”

Robert Lewandowski’s ’97 Porsche 911 GT1 reflects the precision, performance and relentless pursuit of excellence that have defined his career at the highest level of the sport.

Robert Lewandowski said: “For me, the biggest challenge is always the next one. My journey has taught me that success comes from discipline, hard work and always looking for ways to improve. That’s the mindset I bring to everything I do.”

Together, the three die-cast cars capture a piece of each individual's story, designed to represent their passions and paths into Hot Wheels Legends and reminding fans that every legendary journey starts with accepting a challenge.

Throughout September, fans can go deeper into the stories behind the Class of Legends through the Hot Wheels Challenge Accepted: Legends series across Hot Wheels social channels. The three-part content series will feature episodes with each Legend called Hot Wheels Challenge Accepted: Design Studio, Speed Round, What Drives Me, giving fans an inside look at each legend’s path to success, personal connection to car culture and the defining challenges that shaped their careers.

To inspire the next generation with the challenger spirit, Hot Wheels is proud to donate $100,000 to El Arte de los Sueños. Founded in Colombia by Maluma and his sister, the organization uses the arts to help vulnerable youth overcome difficult environments. This contribution directly funds programs in singing, music production, dance, and composition, alongside vital psychological support to help teenagers navigate life's challenges.

Lastly, as part of the Challenge Accepted brand platform, Hot Wheels is working with Dr. Becky Kennedy, clinical psychologist and parenting expert, on a special series of her podcast, Good Inside with Dr. Becky. Debuting in September, each episode will feature an exclusive guest to talk about how early play experiences have shaped their Challenger spirit. Official details, podcast schedule and list of guests to be announced soon.

The 2026 Hot Wheels Global Legends Collection cars are available now for pre-order exclusively on MattelCreations.com for $25 each. For more information, follow Hot Wheels on social media or visit HotWheels.com/Challenge-Accepted.

About Mattel

Mattel is a leading global play and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world. We engage consumers and fans through our franchise brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends™, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Matchbox®, Monster High®, and Polly Pocket®, as well as other popular properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include toys, content, consumer products, digital and live experiences. Our products are sold in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering generations to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us at mattel.com.

Hot Wheels Class of Legends: Robert Lewandowski, Maluma, and Supercar Blondie headline the new Challenge Accepted brand platform.

The United Kingdom warned against any attempt by Israel to remove British officials from the Gaza ceasefire coordination center on Friday, after reports that Israel was considering expelling U.K. officials.

Meanwhile, an Israeli airstrike in southern Gaza killed three people from the same family as the county continues its attacks despite a monthlong ceasefire brokered by the United States.

Here’s a look at the latest developments Friday in the Iran war and the wider Middle East. Full coverage can be found here.

The U.K. government said on Thursday that it remains committed to implementing the 20-point Gaza peace plan, and any move to remove its officials would “undermine shared efforts.”

The comments came in response to reports that Israel is considering expelling officials from Britain and other European nations from the monitoring center. The U.K. remains committed to “playing our part in improving the situation on the ground,” the British government told The Associated Press.

The Dutch Foreign Ministry on Thursday said Israel was removing two Dutch diplomats from the ceasefire center. Israel's Foreign Ministry said the decision was in response to a Dutch ban on the trade of Israeli products from the occupied West Bank and other “ anti-Israel measures.”

Two brothers and another relative were killed on Friday in an Israeli strike on the family’s home outside Khan Younis, officials at Nasser Hospital said. Israel's military said it was not aware of a strike in Khan Younis.

The three deaths were the latest in Gaza since an October ceasefire deal attempted to halt a more than two-year war between Israel and Hamas.

While the heaviest fighting has subsided, Israeli forces have carried out repeated airstrikes, killing at least 1,303 Palestinians, according to health officials in Gaza. The agency's casualty records are generally considered reliable but don't provide a breakdown of civilians and militants.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry on Friday condemned a new round of U.S. economic measures against the country, calling them “economic terrorism” and saying Tehran would use all available means to counter them.

The ministry said the sanctions violated international law and called on other countries to refrain from implementing them. It accused Washington of using the U.S. dollar to pressure other countries into complying with its policies.

Earlier this week, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent vowed to fully sever Iran from the global economy and threatened countries that continue to do business with Iran with secondary sanctions. It was part of the U.S. campaign to use economic pressure to try and wring concessions from Iran.

A pro-government demonstrator chants slogan during a gathering in a square in Tehran, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Children play at a beach as commercial vessels are anchored in the Strait of Hormuz off Bandar Abbas, Iran, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026. (Amir Biazar/ISNA via AP)

Palestinians walk past a food-aid warehouse damaged in an Israeli airstrike that targeted a nearby house in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)