John Cena’s newest action film has officially announced its release date, with exclusive photos offering fans a first glimpse of what’s to come. Apple TV revealed details about the upcoming project, hinting at intense action sequences and a familiar ensemble cast. The platform announced that Matchbox: The Movie will debut globally on October 9, 2026.
The film features John Cena, Jessica Biel, Sam Richardson, Teyonah Parris, and Arturo Castro leading the cast in this action-adventure. Directed by Sam Hargrave, known for Extraction and The Last Frontier, the movie is written by David Coggeshall. It is produced by Skydance Media and Mattel Films.
The storyline centers on a group of childhood friends whose lives are turned upside down when Sean, their long-missing leader and undercover CIA operative played by Cena, returns to their hometown. His return pulls them into a dangerous international mission to save the world. Supporting cast members include Corey Stoll, Bill Camp, Danai Gurira, and Golshifteh Farahani.
Apple TV released first-look images on February 4 via its official X account, showing Cena running between cars, the cast walking in formal attire, and a helicopter soaring over a busy highway. The images tease the high-octane action and adventure of the film. The movie is inspired by Mattel’s iconic Matchbox toy line, launched in 1953, and is part of a larger cinematic universe that includes 15 other upcoming Mattel projects, such as Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots starring Vin Diesel and Magic 8 Ball by M. Night Shyamalan.
Producers behind the film include David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Don Granger for Skydance, alongside Robbie Brenner and Ynon Kreiz for Mattel Films, with Jules Daly, Patrick Newall, and Elizabeth Bassin serving as executive producers. Hargrave’s background in stunt work and directing promises dynamic action sequences for the film.
John Cena, who recently appeared in Peacemaker, Heads of State, and made a cameo in Pluribus, continues to build his portfolio of action-centric roles. Matchbox: The Movie marks his latest project within an action-focused franchise.
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