Director Sam Hargrave discussed his upcoming action-comedy Matchbox: The Movie, based on the Mattel toy line and starring John Cena, revealing that his team performed real stunts rather than relying heavily on visual effects, including driving a truck off a 200-foot bridge. Speaking to Polygon as part of its 2026 Fall Preview, Hargrave said he wanted to capture a "throwback" 1990s action-film feel by using practical stunts with real cars and drivers wherever possible, drawing on experience gained directing Netflix's Extraction films.

Hargrave praised Cena's work ethic and lifelong enthusiasm for Matchbox cars, saying the actor brings new levels of charm and comedic range to his role as a character named Sean. The director noted that while modern safety precautions and visual effects have expanded what's possible on set, he deliberately leaned into old-school practical filmmaking for Matchbox, blending big action spectacle with a comedic, character-driven story about love and friendship.