Teyonah Parris (The Marvels, They Cloned Tyrone) and Sam Richardson (Ted Lasso, The Afterparty) have joined the cast of Matchbox, the upcoming live-action film from Apple Original Films. They join previously announced stars John Cena, Jessica Biel, and Arturo Castro in a story inspired by Mattel’s iconic Matchbox toy vehicle line.
(Road House) will star alongside John Cena in Apple‘s live-action Matchbox film, inspired by Mattel‘s iconic die-cast toy vehicle line, from Skydance and Mattel Films.
Character details are being kept in the toy chest.
Directed by Sam Hargrave (Extraction) and written by David Coggeshall (The Family Plan, Orphan: First Kill) and Jonathan Tropper (The Adam Project, See), Matchbox centers on a group of childhood friends who must reunite to stop an impending global disaster, rekindling their bond along the way. The film is produced by Skydance’s David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Don Granger, along with Robbie Brenner for Mattel Films.
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The Matchbox toy vehicle line was created in 1953 by Jack Odell, an automotive enthusiast. The invention was sparked by a school rule that allowed Odell’s daughter to bring toys only if they could fit inside a matchbox. Odell crafted a miniature vehicle that not only delighted his daughter but also captured the imagination of her classmates. From this simple innovation, Matchbox cars became a global phenomenon. Known for their authenticity and attention to detail, Matchbox cars have been a favorite for over 70 years. Today, two Matchbox cars are sold every second worldwide, according to Mattel.
With its blend of nostalgic inspiration and a modern cinematic approach, Matchbox is shaping up to be a unique addition to the growing catalog of toy-inspired films.