Apple TV announced on February 3 2026 that it will debut “Matchbox The Movie” on October 9 2026, marking the first time the toy company’s classic car brand will be adapted into a feature film.
The film, directed by Sam Hargrave, stars John Cena, Jessica Biel, Sam Richardson, Teyonah Parris and Arturo Castro. It is part of Mattel’s broader strategy to leverage iconic brands into entertainment, following the success of the Barbie movie. In 2025 Mattel merged its film and television units into Mattel Studios to streamline content creation and distribution.
Mattel’s Q4 2024 earnings, released February 4 2025, beat expectations with adjusted EPS of $0.35 versus a $0.20 estimate and revenue of $1.65 billion versus a $1.64 billion consensus. CEO Ynon Kreiz highlighted that the company achieved profitability, margin expansion and strong free cash flow, giving it the financial flexibility to invest in new media ventures.
The company forecasts 2025 net sales growth of 2‑3% in constant currency and adjusted EPS growth of 2‑6%. CFO Anthony DiSilvestro noted a $400 million share repurchase in 2024 and plans for $600 million in 2025, along with a $200 million cost‑saving target by the end of 2026. These actions signal confidence in continued profitability and support for expanding the entertainment portfolio.
The October release expands Mattel’s brand reach to digitally savvy audiences, diversifying revenue streams beyond toys. The partnership with Apple TV positions the brand for broader exposure and aligns with the company’s strategy to monetize its IP through film and digital games, reinforcing its competitive position.
The launch represents a significant milestone in Mattel’s entertainment strategy, combining proven toy brands with high‑profile talent and a major streaming platform, potentially creating new revenue streams and strengthening the company’s long‑term growth prospects.
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