LOS ANGELES, Feb 3 (Reuters) - Apple TV will debut

"Matchbox The Movie" in October, betting that Mattel's ( MAT ) classic

car toys - tiny enough to slip into matchboxes - can spark a

fresh franchise in a thriller about a framed ‌soldier racing to

clear his name.

Apple TV said at a press day event on Tuesday that it ​will

begin streaming the film globally on October 9, based on the

famous ‍miniature car brand launched in the early 1950s.

John Cena, ⁠Jessica Biel, Sam ⁠Richardson, Teyonah Parris and

Arturo Castro star in the film and discussed the legacy of the

palm-sized cars ‌and why it remains timely for ​the 2026

action-adventure flick.

Parris said they relished tapping into childhood memories of

the palm-sized die-cast collectors' items while Richardson, an

avid Matchbox collector, ⁠joked he wished he could have ‍kept the

life-size ​cars used on set.

The film follows Sean, played by Cena, a former soldier

who is kidnapped and framed after completing a mission ‍and

reuniting with his friends. The group must clear their names and

navigate the bonds of their friendship.

The movie, directed by stuntman Sam Hargrave, is a

collaboration between Mattel ( MAT ) and Skydance Media.

PUSH FOR MATTEL-BRAND ENTERTAINMENT

Mattel ( MAT ) is pushing deeper into brand-driven

entertainment.

Its other upcoming toy-inspired films include the animated

"Bob the Builder" movie ​and ‍a live-action "Masters of the

Universe: Chronicles" film, based on the He-Man action figure

and arriving in theaters on June 5, 2026.

Apple TV's 2026 release ​aims to build on its post-"Barbie"

momentum as Hollywood hunts for familiar IP with global pull.

Barbie dolls and accessories are Mattel's ( MAT ) biggest brand. The toy

company's portfolio also includes Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price,

American Girl, Masters of the Universe, Polly Pocket and UNO.

In 2025, Mattel ( MAT ) combined its film and television units to

form Mattel Studios in a move ​to produce entertainment driven by

its brands and potentially repeat the commercial success of the

2023 "Barbie" movie.

Apple TV's press day also included first-look previews of

various shows, including the Emmy-nominated TV series

"Shrinking," ‍and the upcoming shows "Lucky," "Imperfect Women"

and "The Dink."