The Matchbox brand, known to generations of collectors and children worldwide, is set to get its own major movie adaptation. Following the success of the Barbie film, Mattel has decided to bring another brand from its toy portfolio—Matchbox—to the big screen.

However, don't expect a children's movie about toy cars; this won't be a family film, but rather an action-adventure in the style of Fast & Furious. John Cena will star as CIA agent Sean, who returns to his hometown and reconnects with childhood friends. Together, they soon find themselves entangled in a dangerous international mission filled with car chases, action, and unexpected twists. Matchbox serves primarily as inspiration and a symbol here—it is not a literal adaptation of the toy cars themselves, but rather an attempt to capture the spirit of adventure that has always been associated with them.

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The film is a collaboration between Mattel and Skydance Media, directed by Sam Hargrave. Filming took place in several locations, including Budapest, Morocco, Los Angeles, and Slovakia.

An interesting aspect of linking the Matchbox brand with the world of film is the creation of tie-in products. Successful collaborations have been seen in the past—such as with Jurassic Park, which saw the release of a wide range of themed models. Furthermore, entirely new vehicle castings are being developed to capture the vehicles featured in the films as faithfully as possible.

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Mattel hasn't missed a beat with Matchbox: The Movie, successfully integrating themed vehicles across virtually all its core product lines. Fans can look forward to models that directly reference the film and add interesting pieces linked to this new release to their collections. You can find the complete lineup in the Matchbox: The Movie product category: Matchbox  »  Line  »  TV/Movie » Matchbox The Movie » 2026.

The basic range Matchbox The Movie » Basic comprises a total of 12 models, seven of which are brand-new castings: the 2007 Land Rover Defender 6x6, 2020 Nissan GT-R Nismo, 2024 Triumph Scrambler, 2019 Ram Ambulance, Chevy Stock Car, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Ambulance, and 1973 Volkswagen T2b. These vehicles are available in all standard packaging formats: Short Blister (ROW), Long Blister (USA), and Power Grab Box (ALL).

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In range Matchbox The Movie » Moving Parts we find four vehicles here, with the 1973 Volkswagen T2b being the new addition. Like two of the others, this model also has a counterpart in the basic line; only the Ford GT40 is missing from the basic range. These vehicles are mixed into the standard "Moving Parts" series waves but can also be purchased separately as a bundle.

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The same distribution as for Moving Parts is planned for the series Matchbox The Movie » Collectors. Four new releases shared with the mainline series or available as standalone issues. Plus three additional new castings: the 1971 Dodge Challenger, Land Rover 6x6 and 1968 Ford Mustang Fastback. Rounding out the group is a fantastic 1969 Chevrolet Camaro.

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Nor were Matchbox The Movie » Multipack left behind - Desert Chase Escape, Heroes a Villian Pursuit.

The premium "Desert Chase Escape" pack features four desert-themed models, all of which are new castings for 2026. The first is the MB1633 Land Rover 6x6, featuring an opening hood, a metal body, and a plastic base. Unusually, the set includes two versions of the MB1555 2016 Toyota Tacoma: one with an empty cargo bed and one carrying a spare tire. Depending on the specific set you choose, you might get both Tacomas with cargo, both without, or a combination of the two. Rounding out the group is the MB1603 2019 Toyota 4Runner; while not released exclusively for Matchbox:The Movie, it is a new 2026 casting that debuted in the basic range.

The Heroes 5-pack contains models from the basic range, though the Land Rover 6x6 features a "dirty" exterior finish. The "Villain Pursuit" pack is arguably more interesting, offering more exclusive models. Unique to this pack are the popular Porsche 911 GT3 and the Toyota Tacoma (which again comes in versions with or without cargo). While the Polaris RZR and Dodge Durango can also be found in playsets, they are easier to acquire here.

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We must not forget the series either Matchbox The Movie » Working Rigs. Two models, two new castings. Furthermore, Convoy collectors will certainly be pleased by the inclusion of this popular series within the Working Rigs lineup. The first entry in the series is the Mercedes-Benz Actros with a trailer. The second new casting is the RW57 Ford F-650 Rollback.

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An often overlooked series is Skybusters, but it wasn't overlooked for products from The Movie. That's why in the category Matchbox The Movie » Skybusters we can find the Airbus H130 helicopter and the C-130J Super Hercules transport aircraft.

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A new diorama has also been added to the Creations series, available directly from the Mattel website. Unlike standard releases in this line Direction The Chase features two models under a single display case. One might assume the Ford Mustang Fastback is a brand-new casting with a unique production number—since it is a roofless model that has never been released before—but that is not the case. It bears the number MB1596, which corresponds to a model from the basic range (even though it is indeed a new casting); still, you get the idea. Joining it in the diorama is the MB1109 Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

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The final category where the Matchbox: The Movie theme has appeared is Matchbox The Movie » Playset. There are three of them, and one offers a variant exclusive. This is the Mountain Helicopter Escape set, which includes a variant featuring a "scratched paint" finish on the MB1596 1968 Ford Mustang Fastback car from the basic line.

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As you can see, the range of merchandise for the film is truly impressive, which is sure to delight collectors. The hunt begins.