Matchbox toy cars will soon be the inspiration for a movie.According to Variety, a new live-action film based on the toy cars is being developed by Skydance Media. Matchbox toy cars were created byJack Odellin 1953. The original toys received their name because the cars were able to fit inside a matchbox.
“For nearly 70 years, Matchbox has carried enormous cultural relevance and inspired generations of kids to unleash their imaginations, combining what they see in the world every day with what they dream their own would to be,” said Mattel Films executive producerRobbie Brenner. “We look forward to working with our incredible partners at Skydance Media to craft a story for the big screen that evokes the same, imaginative spirit of this beloved Mattel franchise and delights fans of all ages.”
David Coggeshallwill write the film’s screenplay. Coggeshall also wrote the script for the upcoming filmOrphan: First Kill, which is scheduled to be released on August 19. He also co-wrote the script for theupcoming Netflix filmThe Deliverance, which will be directed byLee Daniels. Mattel Films' Vice PresidentElizabeth Bassinand creative executiveAndrew Scannellwill oversee the film. Skydance Media’sDavid Ellison,Dana Goldberg,Don Granger, andAimee Riverawill also oversee the movie. “We are thrilled to be working with Robbie Brenner and her amazing creative team at Mattel,” said Granger. “Pairing Skydance’s unique brand of premium, elevated action-adventure entertainment with the incredible legacy of the Matchbox brand is a fantastic opportunity. There is a shared experience for everyone who has played with a Matchbox vehicle of playset, where they create their own inventive action sequence and we’re excited to craft a worldwide adventure film worthy of such imagination.”
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Matchbox cars are one of many toys Mattel is working on adapting for film. ABarbiefilm based on the popular doll is scheduled to bereleased on August 03, 2025. The film will starMargot Robbieas Barbie andRyan Goslingas Ken. “The IP, the name itself, people immediately have an idea of, ‘Oh, Margot is playing Barbie, I know what that is,’ but our goal is to be like, ‘Whatever you’re thinking, we’re going to give you something totally different - the thing you didn’t know you wanted,'“Robbie said about the filmin 2020. Barbie has also been the star of several animated films including 2001’sBarbie in the Nutcracker, 2010’sBarbie in a Mermaid Tale, and 2021’sBarbie & Chelsea: The Lost Birthday. Barbie also appeared in Pixar’sToy Story 2(1999) andToy Story 3(2010) voiced byJodi Benson.
Other toys Mattel is working on adapting into a film include American Girl Doll, Hot Wheels, and Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots.
No official release date has been announced for the Matchbox cars film. In the meantime, check out this recent Collider interview withBarbiestar Ryan Gosling:
