John Cena’s latest action movie has officially set its release date as new photos give fans a first look at what to expect. Apple TV revealed details about the upcoming project, teasing high-stakes action and a familiar cast of characters.
John Cena and Jessica Biel’s Matchbox The Movie gets release date and first photos
Apple TV has announced that Matchbox The Movie will premiere globally on October 9, 2026.
John Cena, Jessica Biel, Sam Richardson, Teyonah Parris, and Arturo Castro lead the cast in the action-adventure film. Sam Hargrave directs the Apple Original Film, and David Coggeshall wrote the script. Skydance Media and Mattel Films produce the movie.
The story follows a group of childhood friends whose lives change when Sean, their long-absent leader and undercover CIA agent, played by Cena, returns to their hometown. His return pulls them into a high-stakes international mission to save the world. Corey Stoll, Bill Camp, Danai Gurira, and Golshifteh Farahani join the supporting cast.
First-look images released by Apple TV show Cena running between car lanes, as well as the main cast walking in formalwear. Another image features a helicopter flying over a crowded highway. Apple TV shared the images on February 4 via its official X account, writing: #MatchboxTheMovie. Coming October 9 to Apple TV.”
The film is inspired by Mattel’s Matchbox toy line, originally launched in 1953. It is one of 16 upcoming Mattel projects expanding their cinematic universe. Other titles include Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots starring Vin Diesel and Magic 8 Ball by M. Night Shyamalan.
Producers include David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Don Granger for Skydance, Robbie Brenner and Ynon Kreiz for Mattel Films, and Jules Daly. Patrick Newall and Elizabeth Bassin serve as executive producers. Hargrave, known for Extraction and The Last Frontier, brings his background in stunts and directing to the project.
Cena recently appeared in Peacemaker, Heads of State, and made a cameo in Pluribus. Matchbox marks his latest role in an action-centered franchise.
Originally reported by Anubhav Chaudhry on ComingSoon.net.
