Apple TV+ has released the first trailer for Matchbox The Movie, giving audiences their first look at the high-octane adaptation of Mattel’s legendary toy line.
Directed by Sam Hargrave (Extraction), the action-comedy stars John Cena as Sean, an undercover CIA operative whose unexpected return to his hometown reunites a group of childhood friends—and immediately throws them into an international mission to save the world.
Rather than focusing on the toys themselves, Matchbox The Movie uses the beloved brand as the launching pad for a fast-paced globe-spanning adventure packed with elaborate vehicle chases, practical stunt work and Hargrave’s signature action sequences.
Joining Cena is an ensemble cast that includes Jessica Biel, Arturo Castro, Sam Richardson, Teyonah Parris, Danai Gurira, Golshifteh Farahani, Corey Stoll and Bill Camp. Watch below:
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The film is an Apple Original Film from Skydance Media and Mattel Studios, continuing Mattel’s growing effort to expand its iconic toy brands into feature films following the blockbuster success of Barbie. The toy giant did recently stumble with another iconic brand, Masters of the Universe.
Hargrave directs and executive produces from a screenplay by David Coggeshall. Producers include David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Don Granger for Skydance, alongside Robbie Brenner and Ynon Kreiz for Mattel Studios. Jules Daly also serves as producer, with Patrick Newall and Elizabeth Bassin executive producing.
The newly released trailer leans heavily into explosive action, humor and international espionage, suggesting Apple is positioning Matchbox The Movie as a family-friendly blockbuster with the scale of a summer tentpole.
Matchbox The Movie premieres globally on Apple TV+ on Oct. 9, 2026.
The Geek is a working screenwriter, director and screenwriting instructor.
