Apple TV has set an October 9, 2026, premiere date for 'Matchbox,' an action-adventure film based on the classic Mattel toy line. The movie stars John Cena as an undercover CIA agent alongside a ensemble cast including Jessica Biel and Teyonah Parris. Directed by Sam Hargrave, the story follows childhood friends drawn into a global chase to save the world.
During Apple TV's press day, Skydance Media unveiled the premiere details and first-look images for 'Matchbox,' the feature adaptation of Mattel's iconic die-cast toy cars. The film, produced in collaboration with Mattel Films, is scheduled to debut exclusively on the streaming service on October 9, 2026.
John Cena leads the cast as Sean, a long-absent childhood friend who returns to his small town as an undercover CIA agent. His reappearance unwittingly pulls his old group of friends into a high-stakes, globetrotting pursuit to prevent a global catastrophe. Supporting Cena are Jessica Biel, Sam Richardson, Teyonah Parris, and Arturo Castro, with additional roles filled by Corey Stoll, Bill Camp, Danai Gurira, and Golshifteh Farahani.
Sam Hargrave, known for directing action sequences in films like 'Extraction,' helms the project. The screenplay is by David Coggeshall. Production is overseen by Skydance's David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Don Granger, alongside Mattel Films' Robbie Brenner and Ynon Kreiz, with Jules Daly also producing. Hargrave serves as an executive producer, joined by Patrick Newall and Elizabeth Bassin.
This marks another Mattel property transitioning to the screen, following successes like 'Barbie' and upcoming projects such as 'Hot Wheels.' The announcement highlights Apple TV's push into family-friendly action content, blending nostalgia with modern thrills.
