Even before the first computer animated Bionicle film, Bionicle: Mask Of Light, premiers on DVD on September 16, Miramax has, according to Daily Variety, given the greenlight to start production on a third Bionicle film, which will go direct to DVD in the fall of 2004.  The 'second' Bionicle film is currently in development and is planned as a theatrical feature and won't be released until late 2005 or 2006.  This somewhat confusing chronology is the result of Miramax's major push into youth entertainment.  In addition to the very successful Spy Kids franchise (see 'Spy Kids 3-D Surprises'), Miramax has also recently optioned Archie Comics' favorites, Betty & Veronica (see 'Miramax Options Live Action Betty & Veronica').  Even though the CGI Bionicle films have yet to prove themselves, Miramax understands the potential of Lego's worldwide toy brand, and while Miramax made a deal last year to distribute the Bionicle CGI films (see 'Bionicles Movie Deal Set'), the new agreement makes the studio a producing partner with Lego, giving Miramax a bigger piece of the action.  Miramax VP of acquisitions Jeff Tahler told Variety, 'The Bionicle success is bigger than any of us ever imagined.  Worldwide forty million people have purchased a Bionicle product.'

Miramax is also aware of the success of two direct-to-video computer-animated Barbie DVDs based on the best-selling Mattel dolls, which have sold over 6 million copies in the U.S. alone.  The popularity of Lego's Bionicle (see 'Bionicles: Lego's Integrated Approach To Creating A Toy Boom') can be gauged by the fact that Nike has gone to the trouble of creating a special 'Bionicle sneaker' with interchangeable masks that can be snapped on the toe section of the shoe.  Lego also ships 1.5 million copies of each issue of DC's Bionicle comic books to Bionicle fan club members around the globe.