Bollywood star Randeep Hooda is set to reunite with “Extraction” director Sam Hargrave for Apple Original Films’ upcoming action thriller “Matchbox,” marking their second collaboration following their 2020 Netflix hit.
The live-action film, based on Mattel’s die-cast matchbox toy vehicle line, stars John Cena, Teyonah Parris, Jessica Biel and Sam Richardson. Production is currently underway in Budapest, where Hooda is joining the cast.
Hargrave is directing based on a screenplay by David Coggeshall (“The Family Plan,” “Orphan: First Kill”) and Jonathan Tropper (upcoming “Your Friends and Neighbors,” “The Adam Project”). The film is produced by Skydance’s David Ellison and Dana Goldberg as well as Don Granger and Robbie Brenner for Mattel Films.
“Matchbox” will follow a group of childhood friends who must work together to stop an impending worldwide disaster and rediscover their friendship along the way.
The film is inspired by Mattel’s popular toy vehicle line, which was invented in 1953 by automotive enthusiast Jack Odell. Odell’s daughter was allowed to take a toy to school only if it was small enough to fit in a matchbox and when her schoolmates began clamoring for their own “matchbox car,” the brand was born. Today, Mattel reports, two Matchbox cars are sold every second somewhere around the world.
“Excited to be working with Sam again. We had a great time on our first collaboration with ‘Extraction,’” Hooda said in a statement. “Sam is a master of high-octane storytelling and action. Glad to be joining the team in Budapest.”
Hargrave, whose action credentials include stunt coordination for Marvel blockbusters “Avengers: Endgame,” “Infinity War,” “Thor: Ragnarok,” and DC’s “Suicide Squad,” recently helmed “Extraction 2.” His first outing with Hooda saw the Indian actor deliver a breakthrough performance as Saju alongside Chris Hemsworth.
Meanwhile, Hooda, who directed and starred in 2024’s “Swatantrya Veer Savarkar,” maintains a busy slate in India’s film industry, currently lensing “Jaat” under director Gopichand Malineni alongside veteran actor Sunny Deol. The film is produced by Mythri Movie Makers and People Media Factory, the banners behind “Pushpa 2,” India’s biggest hit of 2024. The actor is also attached to “Arjun Ustara” from acclaimed filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj.