Apple TV has officially set a global premiere date of October 9 for Matchbox The Movie, the action-adventure feature inspired by Mattel’s iconic toy cars. The announcement was made during Apple TV’s Press Day at Santa Monica’s Barker Hangar, alongside the release of first-look images.
An Apple Original Film from Skydance Media and Mattel Films, the movie stars John Cena in the lead role, joined by Jessica Biel, Sam Richardson, Teyonah Parris, and Arturo Castro. The ensemble also includes Danai Gurira, Corey Stoll, Bill Camp, and Golshifteh Farahani.
Directed by Sam Hargrave, the film is described as a fast-paced, globe-trotting adventure. Cena plays Sean, an undercover CIA agent who unexpectedly returns to his small hometown and reunites with a tight-knit group of friends from childhood. His arrival pulls them into a high-stakes international chase with global consequences—cars included.
Hargrave, who also serves as an executive producer, directs from a script by David Coggeshall. The producing team includes David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Don Granger for Skydance, alongside Robbie Brenner and Ynon Kreiz for Mattel Films, plus Jules Daly. Executive producers include Patrick Newall and Elizabeth Bassin.
While a full trailer has yet to drop, the newly released images tease large-scale action, international locations, and a stacked ensemble clearly leaning into spectacle. Matchbox The Movie arrives as part of Mattel’s expanding slate of film adaptations following the success of Barbie, with additional projects in development across film and television.
Matchbox The Movie premieres globally on Apple TV on October 9.