The announcement of a live-action Matchbox movie featuring Mattel’s die-cast toy cars and stunt-action movie director Sam Hargrave (Extraction) at the helm would warrant a die-hard cast. Thus, it would be no surprise WWE wrestler-turned-Hollywood actor John Cena (Peacemaker, The Suicide Squad) would star in the film.
The casting decision seems obvious — the Matchbox brand of toy cars appeals to the family (mostly focused on children); Hargrave is known for his daredevil stunts in his Extraction movies and thus appeals to action-seekers (who are mostly adults), and Cena? He sits comfortably in the Venn diagram of both sides as a veteran of car action films centred around the theme of ‘family’ (who would also appeal to the child in our hearts.).
While little is known about the plot, it’s safe to say the movie will keep audiences on the edge of their seats while keeping things as wholesome as possible. Matchbox is being produced by Skydance’s David Ellison (Top Gun: Maverick), comedian Dana Goldberg, Don Granger (Reacher), and Mattel Film’s President Robbie Brenner. Meanwhile, David Coggeshall (The Family Plan) and Jonathan Trooper (The Adam Project) are working on the script.
With the cast and production team for Matchbox growing, so do the stakes and expectations of viewers following the phenomenal box office success that is Barbie. Moreover, Apple Original Films has acquired the rights to Matchbox, which means it will be screened theatrically before it lands exclusively on Apple TV+.
No one knows when Matchbox will hit the silver screen, but it probably won’t be too soon, as Mattel has its hands full with other films like a Hot Wheels movie and another one featuring the iconic card game UNO.
Crack open a cold one with Joey, because the moment you approach him, he will start talking about film and video games for days. He spends his waking moments during the weekends meditating on how the latest movie he’s watched or game he’s played has impacted his worldview.
Natalie
