John Cena is set to star in “Matchbox,” a live-action adaptation of Mattel’s iconic toy car line, produced by Apple Original Films in partnership with Skydance and Mattel Films.
Directed by Sam Hargrave, known for his work on the “Extraction” series, and written by David Coggeshall and Jonathan Tropper, the film will be the first major attempt to bring the beloved Matchbox brand to the big screen, despite the industry’s long focus on its rival, Hot Wheels.
The project is being produced by David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Don Granger of Skydance, along with Robbie Brenner of Mattel Films. While plot details remain undisclosed, the film will likely capitalize on the Matchbox brand’s legacy, which originated in 1953 when automotive enthusiast Jack Odell created the first Matchbox car for his daughter, sparking the creation of a globally loved toy line.
Cena’s recent work includes Amazon’s “Jackpot” and his lead role in “Peacemaker,” while he also prepares for his 2025 farewell WWE tour.
The “Matchbox” film adds to a growing slate of collaborations between Skydance and Apple, with other projects like “The Gorge” and “Fountain of Youth” in the works.
