Archive · 8 Oct 2026
John Cena and Jessica Biel Bring Matchbox Cars to the Big Screen
Matchbox The Movie is an action-comedy inspired by the toy cars.
John Cena plays Sean, who returns to his hometown and reconnects with old friends.
The friends get caught up in a search for a stolen nuclear warhead.
Jessica Biel plays Aimee, a paramedic who enjoys racing cars.
Director Sam Hargrave used many real stunts and cars while filming.
The movie used 376 vehicles inspired by Matchbox toys.
Cena said he loved Matchbox cars as a child, especially a 1970 Oldsmobile toy.
The film is due to arrive on Apple TV on October 9.
Matchbox The Movie follows childhood friends drawn into an international hunt for a stolen nuclear warhead.
John Cena plays Sean, a former group leader who returns home as an undercover CIA operative; Jessica Biel plays paramedic Aimee.
The film is set for release on Apple TV on October 9; the article does not specify the year.
Director Sam Hargrave used mostly practical action, with CGI to enhance realism or help keep the cast and crew safe.
Production used 376 picture vehicles inspired by Matchbox toys and filmed in the United States, Hungary, Morocco and Slovakia.
- Who
- John Cena, Jessica Biel and other cast members star in Matchbox The Movie.
- What
- An action-comedy about childhood friends caught up in an international hunt for a stolen nuclear warhead.
- When
- The film is set for release on Apple TV on October 9; the year is not specified.
- Where
- The story centers on a small town in Ohio; filming took place in the United States, Hungary, Morocco and Slovakia.
- Why
- The plot begins when Sean returns home and unintentionally draws his old friends into the hunt.
- Release
- Apple TV on October 9; the article does not state the year.
- Director
- Sam Hargrave
- Production companies
- Skydance Media, Mattel Studios and Apple Studios
- Picture vehicles
- 376, each inspired by an existing Matchbox toy
- Filming locations
- United States, Hungary, Morocco and Slovakia
- Matchbox origins
- The toy-car story began in 1953, when inventor Jack Odell made a car small enough to fit in a matchbox for his daughter.
- Toy sales
- More than three billion Matchbox die-cast vehicles have been sold, according to the article.