The Matchbox Cars Movie: Confirmation, Cast & Everything We Know

Among the slew of upcoming films based on toys from Mattel Films is the Matchbox Cars movie, and while the project remains mysterious there’s still plenty of anticipation around the potential blockbuster. The painstakingly crafted die-cast Matchbox Cars have been a staple of toy-shelves since the 1950s, and remain one of the most recognized classic toy brands in the USA. Mattel Films and Skydance bringing the two together for a live-action Matchbox Cars movie is a recipe for success, even if the toy itself doesn’t have a distinct storyline.

Details around the Matchbox Cars movie are still being kept under wraps, but the box-office success of 2023’s Barbie has raised interest in movies based on toys significantly. While the Matchbox Cars movie is likelier to be a much more grounded affair than the Margot Robbie-led extravaganza of bright pink and surreal musical numbers, it could still be a hit for Mattel and Skydance. Not only is nostalgia for the toy a big draw, but the open-ended premise of a Matchbox Cars movie is sure to draw in curious viewers who liked the aforementioned Mattel smash-hit.

Most Recent Matchbox Cars Movie News

John Cena Has Been Cast

Though news regarding Mattel’s next cinematic opus is somewhat scant, the latest news sees the Matchbox Cars movie cast its first actor. Best known for his years as a WWE superstar, multi-time world champion wrestler John Cena has been tapped to play an as-yet-undisclosed role in the next Mattel movie. Though almost nothing is known about the film at this juncture, Cena’s casting means it will likely lean into action with a sliver of humor thrown in as well. Cena has proven himself time and again to be an action star, but his turn in shows like Peacemaker show he can be funny too.

The Matchbox Cars Movie Is Confirmed

The Film Was Announced In 2022

Even before Barbie turned out to be the cinematic juggernaut of 2023, Mattel had plans in place to bring some of their most popular toy brands to life onscreen. Variety first broke the news in July 2022 that a Matchbox Cars movie was in development from Mattel and Skydance Films, and Orphan: First Kill writer David Coggeshall was attached to pen the script with Jonathan Tropper (The Adam Project) . Though few details have surfaced in the years since, director Sam Hargrave was signed to oversee the project in May 2024.

The Matchbox Cars Movie Cast

John Cena Has Been Cast

While almost nothing is known about the upcoming Mattel toy movie, it has been confirmed that John Cena will play a role in Matchbox Cars. The former WWE superstar is known for his action/adventure and comedy roles, and Cena seems like the perfect fit for a potential big-budget blockbuster. Details surrounding Cena’s role are being kept under wraps, but a star of his caliber will likely be playing the lead role.

The Matchbox Cars Movie Story

The Story Possibilities Are Endless

There’s been no confirmation of the plot for the Matchbox Cars movie, save that Skydance and Mattel have confirmed it’s a live-action project. The success of the Barbie movie in 2023 could be both a positive and a negative for the adaptation since Barbie‘s clever narrative dug into the historical discourse surrounding the famous doll. Matchbox Cars are inherently more vague than even Barbie dolls, and the boundaries of story possibility are nearly limitless.

On one hand, the film could merely use the toy as a framework for a touching story, much like Barbie, or it could be much more straightforward. The Matchbox Car toy line features vehicles of all makes and models, meaning passenger vehicles, sports cars, and even industrial vehicles could all factor into the story. Since Sam Hargrave has been hired to direct, it’s expected that Matchbox Cars will be action-oriented, since the stuntman-turned-director excels in that genre.