John Cena’s Matchbox Movie Could Be The Perfect Fast & Furious Replacement

Published Oct 8, 2026, 12:15 PM EDT ​​August is a freelance film writer. She studied journalism and cinema at American University. She is a member of the journalism honor society, Kappa Tau Alpha. August has written for various networks and publications, including PBS, Gargoyle Magazine, TheThings, and Identity Theory Magazine. Before returning to entertainment writing, August worked in the Automotive section of U.S. News & World Report. In her free time, August enjoys watching movies in theaters, watching movies at home, listening to podcasts about movies, reading books about movies, watching video essays on movies, talking about movies, thinking about movies, and doing crosswords. Fast & Furious has spent decades as one of the most popular and profitable action franchises in the nation. With the series coming to a close in 2028, there is room for a new automotive action movie to take its place in the cultural zeitgeist. Apple TV might have already won the race to replace Fast and the Furious with its upcoming John Cena blockbuster—Matchbox the Movie. In 2001, The Fast and the Furious introduced audiences to Vin Diesel’s Dominic Toretto, an L.A. mechanic and legendary street racer. The high-octane film struck a chord with audiences, grossing $207.2 million in its initial release and launching a $7 billion franchise. The most popular installment, 2017’s Furious 7, earned a whopping $1.5 billion worldwide (via Box Office Mojo). The last Fast & Furious feature, Fast Forever, is set to premiere on March 17, 2028. In its wake, there is room for a new number-one automotive action franchise. A plethora of films have tried to contend with the Furious franchise over the years, but none have stuck. However, the latest rival movie to Diesel’s famous franchise is on its way, and it is poised to be even bigger than its predecessor. John Cena’s highly anticipated Matchbox the Movie arrives on Apple TV this Friday, October 9. John Cena's Matchbox Movie Explained Image via Apple TV Matchbox the Movie is an automotive action flick based on the famous Mattel toy-vehicle line of the same name. It is attempting to capture the magic of the company’s last uber-popular cinematic adaptation, Barbie (2023). Matchbox also arrives on the heels of Mattel’s He-Man action figure feature, Masters of the Universe. Written by David Coggeshall (The Family Plan), the meta-narrative reflects on the lasting cultural fascination of cars and action. It dives into the thrilling lives of its ensemble cast as they are pulled into endless high-speed chases and fun-fueled escapades. Stuntman Sam Hargrave (Atomic Blond) directs and executive produces the PG-13 flick. The cast is headed by Fast and the Furious alum, John Cena, who previously appeared in F9: The Fast Saga (2021) and Fast X (2023). The action-packed cast is rounded out by comedy powerhouses Sam Richardson and Arturo Castro. Other confirmed cast include Jessica Biel (The Better Sister), Teyonah Parris (They Cloned Tyrone), Danai Gurira (Black Panther), Corey Stoll (Ant-Man), and Bill Camp (12 Years a Slave). Apple TV has decided to forego a theatrical release, instead premiering Matchbox the Movie on Apple TV+ this October 9, 2026. Why It Might Overtake The Fast & Furious Franchise Matchbox the Movie is set to beat Fast & Furious at its own game. The hit franchise has delivered epic automotive action for the past 25 years, but it is losing steam as it rolls toward its finale. Matchbox is ready to take its place. While there are no official plans for a Matchbox follow-up, Apple TV’s franchise ambitions are clear. The studio’s upcoming movie has a lot of power behind it right out of the gate, and could certainly launch a Fast & Furious-worthy series. With action stars in front of and behind the camera, Matchbox promises to be a genre masterpiece. Cena's brawn and wit make for the perfect action star, more than capable of shouldering a franchise. Extraction director Sam Hargrave was a major get for Apple TV, and his leadership over the upcoming project is a great omen. Hargrave has previously served as a stunt coordinator for the Hunger Games and Marvel movies. He is sure to deliver endless, epic, and expertly choreographed stunts in Matchbox. Outside the high-octane antics, Cena has praised the Matchbox the Movie film's script for its ability to turn toy IP into a compelling story that has legs (or wheels). Ultimately, Matchbox's franchise fate will depend on the movie's viewership. This should not be a problem for the upcoming flick, which has a lot to market on. It is backed by one of the biggest toy manufacturers in the world, already putting it at an advantage. Mattel’s cinematic potential was proven by the astounding success of the Barbie movie. Nostalgia for the 73-year-old toy brand is also a powerful lure. An endless stream of legacy remakes proves the profitability of nostalgia. Not to mention, leading man Cena comes with his own built-in fanbase. Matchbox the Movie is well positioned to become the next big car-action franchise. If the highly-anticipated movie racks up high viewing numbers on Apple TV, it could become the modern-day Fast & Furious. Matchbox the Movie Release Date October 9, 2026 Runtime 127 minutes Director Sam Hargrave Writers David Coggeshall