Sam Richardson, recently acclaimed for his Emmy-winning guest role in Ted Lasso, has joined the cast of Apple’s live-action Matchbox film, starring alongside John Cena and Jessica Biel. The project comes from Skydance and Mattel Films, marking the latest collaboration between the two companies.
Directed by Sam Hargrave (Extraction), Matchbox is inspired by Mattel’s iconic die-cast toy vehicle line, known for its enduring legacy of over 70 years. The screenplay is penned by David Coggeshall and Jonathan Tropper. While Richardson’s role remains under wraps, anticipation is building for how the film will incorporate the beloved Matchbox brand’s rich history into a live-action narrative.
The Matchbox story began in 1953 when automotive enthusiast Jack Odell created a toy small enough to fit in a matchbox for his daughter, who could only bring compact toys to school. This simple innovation sparked a global phenomenon, with Matchbox setting high standards of authenticity for toy vehicles. Today, two Matchbox cars are sold every second worldwide, a testament to the brand’s timeless appeal.
The film is produced by Skydance’s David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Don Granger, alongside Robbie Brenner for Mattel Films and Jules Daly.
Richardson, known for his work on Veep and The Afterparty will next appear opposite Michelle Yeoh in Paramount+’s highly anticipated Star Trek: Section 31, set to premiere on January 24. He is also starring in the thriller Sacrifice by Romain Gavras, sharing the screen with Chris Evans, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Salma Hayek Pinault.