John Cena is poised to take the spotlight in Matchbox, a live-action film inspired by the classic Mattel car toy line. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the project has been secured by Apple Original Films and will be produced in collaboration with Skydance and Mattel Films. ‘Shark Week 2024’ Full Schedule: How and Where To Watch Live Streaming of John Cena Hosted Show Online.

Sam Hargrave, known for his work on the Extraction series, will direct the film. The screenplay for Matchbox is penned by David Coggeshall, who previously wrote the action-comedy The Family Plan, along with Jonathan Tropper, the author behind the Ryan Reynolds film The Adam Project, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

John Cena to Headline Live-Action Film Directed by Sam Hargrave

Although plot details are currently under wraps, this film reportedly represents the first serious effort to develop a movie centred around the Matchbox brand, even as Hollywood has long pursued adaptations of Hot Wheels.

The Matchbox toy brand was first introduced in 1953 and acquired by Mattel in 1997.

The origin story of Matchbox is rooted in automotive enthusiast Jack Odell, who designed the first toy car for his daughter, allowing her to take it to school only if it could fit inside a matchbox. This practical necessity sparked a beloved toy line that would go on to compete with Mattel's own Hot Wheels.

Producing Matchbox are David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Don Granger from Skydance, along with Robbie Brenner from Mattel Films, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

This collaboration continues a growing partnership between Skydance and Apple, with several other projects in the pipeline, including the adventure film The Gorge, starring Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy, and Fountain of Youth, featuring Natalie Portman and John Krasinski. John Cena Announces WWE Retirement, 2025 Season To Be His Last Hurrah.

Recently, Cena starred alongside Awkwafina in Amazon's action-comedy Jackpot, and he is currently filming the second season of the Max original series Peacemaker, based on the DC Comics character.

Additionally, Cena is gearing up for his farewell WWE tour, scheduled for 2025.