Matchbox: The Movie is a 2026 American action comedy film directed by Sam Hargrave and written by David Coggeshall, based on the toy brand Matchbox by Mattel. It stars John Cena, Jessica Biel, Sam Richardson, Arturo Castro, and Teyonah Parris.
Matchbox: The Movie is set to be released in the United States on Apple TV on October 9, 2026.
Premise Spy and former soldier Sean Walker reunites with childhood friends only to be drugged and kidnapped by a group looking for a nuclear warhead. The CIA believes Walker and his friends stole the nuclear weapon, so the group decides to re-steal the bomb and clear their names.
Cast John Cena as Sean Walker Kristoffer Hivju Jessica Biel as Aimee Sam Richardson as Crosby Arturo Castro as Ted Teyonah Parris as Charmaine Randeep Hooda Danai Gurira Corey Stoll Bill Camp Golshifteh Farahani
Production In May 2024, Skydance Media and Mattel Films were developing a live-action film based on the toy brand Matchbox. Sam Hargrave had been hired to direct the film, and David Coggeshall and Jonathan Tropper were writing the screenplay. In September, John Cena joined the cast in the lead role. In November, Jessica Biel joined the cast in an undisclosed role. In December, Sam Richardson, Arturo Castro, and Teyonah Parris joined the cast in undisclosed roles. Randeep Hooda, Danai Gurira, Corey Stoll, Bill Camp, and Golshifteh Farahani would later be added to the cast.
Filming began in Budapest in January 2025, with additional filming taking place in Casablanca in March, as evidenced by social media posts showing lead actor John Cena filming action car scenes on location. Scenes were also filmed in Erfoud and Merzouga. Production was also expected to occur in Slovakia (already finished as of April 7, 2025) and Los Angeles.
Release Matchbox: The Movie had its world premiere at the AMC Lincoln Square Theater in New York on October 5, 2026, and is set to be released on Apple TV on October 9.
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