Matchbox: Revving Up for a Big-Screen Debut with John Cena

In a move that's sure to excite fans of classic toys and action-packed films, John Cena has been tapped to star in Matchbox, a live-action adaptation of the beloved Mattel car toyline. The project, which hails from Skydance and Mattel Films, has secured a coveted spot at Apple Original Films, signaling a high-octane collaboration between industry heavyweights.

Bringing Iconic Toy Cars to Life on the Silver Screen

Revving Up the Matchbox Franchise

The Matchbox brand, first introduced in 1953 and later acquired by Mattel in 1997, has long been a staple in the die-cast car toy market, competing with Mattel's own Hot Wheels line. The iconic brand was born when automotive enthusiast Jack Odell designed a miniature car for his daughter, who was only allowed to bring toys to school that could fit in a matchbox. The concept quickly caught on, and Matchbox cars became a beloved part of childhood for generations.

Assembling the Creative Team

With the project now in full throttle, the creative team behind Matchbox is poised to deliver a thrilling cinematic experience. Sam Hargrave, the director known for his work on the gritty action movies, has been tapped to helm the feature. The screenplay, penned by David Coggeshall, who wrote the action comedy The Family Plan for Apple, and Jonathan Tropper, the acclaimed author and scribe behind the Ryan Reynolds-led The Adam Project, promises to blend high-octane action with a compelling narrative.

Skydance and Apple: A Powerful Partnership

The Matchbox project marks the latest collaboration between Skydance and Apple Original Films, two industry powerhouses that have joined forces on a number of high-profile productions. Among the upcoming Skydance-Apple projects are the adventure movie The Gorge, starring Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy, and the star-studded Fountain of Youth, directed by Guy Ritchie and featuring Natalie Portman and John Krasinski.

John Cena: From WWE to the Big Screen

The casting of John Cena as the lead in Matchbox is a significant coup, as the versatile actor continues to make his mark in both the world of professional wrestling and the realm of feature films. Cena recently starred in the Amazon action-comedy Jackpot and is currently filming the second season of the Max original series Peacemaker, based on the DC character. With his impressive physicality and charismatic screen presence, Cena is poised to bring the Matchbox brand to life in a thrilling and engaging way.

Unlocking the Potential of Matchbox

While Hollywood has long sought to bring the Hot Wheels brand to the big screen, the Matchbox franchise has remained largely untapped. This project represents a unique opportunity to explore the rich storytelling potential of the iconic toy line, offering audiences a fresh and exciting take on the classic die-cast car experience. With the creative team's expertise and John Cena's star power, Matchbox is poised to rev up the box office and captivate audiences worldwide.