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.
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Most Recent Matchbox Cars Movie News
A New Cast Member Joins The Toy Adaptation
With much of the movie still shrouded in mystery, the latest news confirms that the Matchbox Cars movie has added a new cast member. Perhaps best known for her turns in The Walking Dead and the MCU, Danai Gurira has been tapped to play an as-yet-unnamed role in the upcoming action flick. Gurira joins the likes of WWE star John Cena, Sam Richardson (Detroiters), Teyonah Parris (The Marvels), and Arturo Castro (Road House) who have also been cast in unknown roles. Jessica Biel is in talks to join the cast, but hasn’t officially been added yet.
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. Jessica Biel is also in talks to join as a co-star to Cena, but she hasn’t officially signed on yet.
The Walking Dead alum Danai Gurira has also been tapped to play an as-yet-unnamed role in the movie, and she’ll likely be playing one of the leads. Detroiters and Star Trek: Section 31 star Sam Richardson will also play a role in the toy adaptation, as will Arturo Castro (Road House). Teyonah Parris of The Marvels fame has been cast in Matchbox Cars, but like all of her co-stars, the size and scope of her role remains firmly under wraps for the time being.
The confirmed cast of Matchbox Cars includes:
|
Actor |
Matchbox Cars Role |
|
|---|---|---|
|
John Cena |
Unknown |
|
|
Danai Gurira |
Unknown |
|
|
Sam Richardson |
Unknown |
|
|
Arturo Castro |
Unknown |
|
|
Teyonah Parris |
Unknown |
|
The Matchbox Cars Movie Story
The Story Possibilities Are Endless
Matchbox Cars are inherently more vague than even Barbie dolls, and the boundaries of story possibility are nearly limitless.
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.
Matchbox
- Director
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Sam Hargrave
- Writers
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David Coggeshall, Jonathan Tropper
