Warner Bros is definitely in the Lego business these days. With a worldwide gross of $452.4 million since its February release, The Lego Movie proved itself to be the start of a viable franchise for the studio. So now, like everybody else, the studio wants to build a "universe" around the series. Conventional sequels are out. An approach of sequels combined with spinoff films is the new model. Just ask Marvel Studios, LucasFilm, Fox, and Sony- who are all trying, with varying degrees of success, to turn their geek properties into multi-tiered "cinematic universes."

We all ready knew a straight-up sequel to The Lego Movie was coming. But now comes word that a spinoff, based around Lego's Ninjago line, has been greenlit. Deadline is reporting that Ninjago will be directed by Charlie Bean, and it will serve as his directorial debut. Until now, Bean has worked in the art department for several projects over the years,...