John Cena To Lead Mattel’s “Matchbox” Film

Mattel has officially enlisted “Peacemaker” star John Cena as the lead in the live-action film adaptation of the “Matchbox” miniature toy car property. “Extraction” director Sam Hargrave is helming “Matchbox” which revolves around the miniatures created by automotive expert Jack Odell in 1953. Odell created the toy to solve a challenge for his daughter – she was allowed to take a toy to school only if it was small enough to fit in a matchbox.

Thus a brand was born. Known for high standards of authenticity, the brand continues on around the world 70 years later with Matchbox cars sold every second. “Prey” and “The Family Plan” writer David Coggeshall will team with “Banshee” and “Warrior” series creator Jonathan Tropper to pen the script for the project which also hails from Apple Original Films and Skydance.



David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, Don Granger, and Robbie Brenner produce. Cena, who previously worked with Mattel Films for a cameo as Mermaid Ken in the “Barbie” movie, is currently working on the second season of “Peacemaker” which will shortly wrap filming ahead of a 2025 debut. He’s popped up in three films so far this year – “Argylle,” “Ricky Stanicky” and “Jackpot!” along with a guest stint on “The Bear”.

Source: Mattel.