Apple TV Reveals First Look at Sam Hargrave’s ‘Matchbox The Movie,’ Starring John Cena

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Feb 3

Written By Jonathan P. Moustakas

Apple TV unveiled images from Sam Hargrave’s action-adventure film “Matchbox The Movie,” starring John Cena, Jessica Biel, Sam Richardson, Teyonah Parris, and Arturo Castro. “Matchbox The Movie” premieres globally October 9, 2026 on Apple TV.

Apple’s latest Mattel adaptation goes global with high-octane spectacle and blockbuster ambitions.

Apple TV unveiled first-look images for Matchbox The Movie during its 2026 Apple TV Press Day, officially announcing that the action-adventure film will premiere globally on Friday, October 9, 2026. Directed by Sam Hargrave, the film stars John Cena, Jessica Biel, Sam Richardson, Teyonah Parris, and Arturo Castro.

Inspired by the iconic Mattel toy line, Matchbox The Movie is positioned as a globe-trotting action spectacle centered on a group of childhood friends whose quiet lives are thrown into chaos. When their former leader Sean, played by Cena, resurfaces as an undercover CIA agent, he unknowingly pulls the group into an escalating international pursuit with world-altering consequences.

The ensemble cast also includes Corey Stoll, Bill Camp, Danai Gurira, and Golshifteh Farahani, signaling a supporting lineup designed to balance grounded character work with large-scale action set pieces.

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The film is an Apple Original produced by Skydance Media and Mattel Films, continuing Apple TV’s push into blockbuster-style event films. Hargrave, best known for redefining modern stunt-forward action filmmaking, directs and executive produces from a script by David Coggeshall. Producing duties are handled by David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Don Granger for Skydance, alongside Robbie Brenner and Ynon Kreiz for Mattel Films, with Jules Daly also producing. Patrick Newall and Elizabeth Bassin serve as executive producers.

Matchbox The Movie represents another strategic move by Apple TV into established IP-driven cinema, blending nostalgia with contemporary action filmmaking as the streamer continues to scale its theatrical-caliber original film slate.