Summary

• The Matchbox Cars movie, directed by Sam Hargrave, has great potential for success due to its nostalgic appeal and open-ended premise.
• Details of the film, such as the plot and casting, are still undisclosed, keeping viewers intrigued and curious.
• Unlike Barbie's complex storyline, the Matchbox Cars movie has limitless story possibilities, with expectations of an action-oriented film directed by Hargrave.

Among the slew of upcoming films based on toys from Mattel Films is the Matchbox Cars movie, and while the project remains mysterious there’s still plenty of anticipation around the potential blockbuster. The painstakingly crafted die-cast Matchbox Cars have been a staple of toy-shelves since the 1950s, and remain one of the most recognized classic toy brands in the USA. Mattel Films and Skydance bringing the two together for a live-action Matchbox Cars movie is a recipe for success, even if the toy itself doesn't have a distinct storyline.

Details around the Matchbox Cars movie are still being kept under wraps, but the box-office success of 2023’s Barbie has raised interest in movies based on toys significantly. While the Matchbox Cars movie is likelier to be a much more grounded affair than the Margot Robbie-led extravaganza of bright pink and surreal musical numbers, it could still be a hit for Mattel and Skydance. Not only is nostalgia for the toy a big draw, but the open-ended premise of a Matchbox Cars movie is sure to draw in curious viewers who liked the aforementioned Mattel smash-hit.

Most Recent Matchbox Cars Movie News

Sam Hargrave Is Hired To Direct

Though news regarding Mattel's next cinematic opus is somewhat scant, the latest news sees the Matchbox Cars movie sign a director. Not long after helping to launch Netflix's popular Extraction series of films, stuntman-turned-director Sam Hargrave has been tapped to helm the toy film. While nearly every detail about the movie is being kept firmly under wraps by Mattel and Skydance Films, Hargrave's hiring suggests it will be an action-packed affair. No casting or release details have been revealed.

The Matchbox Cars Movie Is Confirmed

The Film Was Announced In 2022

Even before Barbie turned out to be the cinematic juggernaut of 2023, Mattel had plans in place to bring some of their most popular toy brands to life onscreen. Variety first broke the news in July 2022 that a Matchbox Cars movie was in development from Mattel and Skydance Films, and Orphan: First Kill writer David Coggeshall was attached to pen the script. Though few details have surfaced in the years since, director Sam Hargrave was signed to oversee the project in May 2024.

Barbie is available to stream on Max.

The Matchbox Cars Movie Story

The Story Possibilities Are Endless

Matchbox Cars are inherently more vague than even Barbie dolls, and the boundaries of story possibility are nearly limitless.

There’s been no confirmation of the plot for the Matchbox Cars movie, save that Skydance and Mattel have confirmed it’s a live-action project. The success of the Barbie movie in 2023 could be both a positive and a negative for the adaptation since Barbie's clever narrative dug into the historical discourse surrounding the famous doll. Matchbox Cars are inherently more vague than even Barbie dolls, and the boundaries of story possibility are nearly limitless.

On one hand, the film could merely use the toy as a framework for a touching story, much like Barbie, or it could be much more straightforward. The Matchbox Car toy line features vehicles of all makes and models, meaning passenger vehicles, sports cars, and even industrial vehicles could all factor into the story. Since Sam Hargrave has been hired to direct, it's expected that Matchbox Cars will be action-oriented, since the stuntman-turned-director excels in that genre.