John Cena in Mattel’s Matchbox car movie

John Cena is set to star in a live-action film inspired by Mattel’s Matchbox die-cast toy vehicles. While specific plot details and Cena’s role remain under wraps, the film will be directed by Sam Hargrave, with a screenplay by David Coggeshall and Jonathan Tropper. Matchbox, created in 1953, has been a beloved brand for generations. The film is being produced by Skydance and Mattel Films. It will join several other toy-based films from Mattel that are in the works, including one about Hot Wheels and even Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots.

Animated movie Dog Man update

Universal Pictures has released a trailer for Dog Man, an animated film based on Dav Pilkey’s graphic novel series, a spinoff of Captain Underpants.

Featuring the voices of Pete Davidson and Lil Rel Howery, the story follows Dog Man, a police dog fused with his owner after an injury. As Dog Man embraces his new identity, he must thwart the evil plots of Petey the Cat, who aims to clone himself.

The film also stars Isla Fisher, Poppy Liu, Stephen Root, Billy Boyd, and Ricky Gervais. Directed by Peter Hastings, Dog Man hits theatres on January 31, 2025.

Mickey 17 trailer release

The first trailer of Robert Pattinson’s Mickey 17 has been unveiled, where he portrays Mickey, an ‘Expendable’ who can regenerate after each death, retaining most of his memories.

The movie is based on Edward Ashton’s novel Mickey7, with the screenplay adapted by Bong Joon-Ho, known for the Oscar-winning Parasite. The movie follows Mickey Barnes (Pattinson), an “Expendable” employee on a mission to colonise the ice world Niflheim. As an Expendable, Mickey’s job is to undertake the most dangerous tasks. If he dies, he is regenerated in a new body with most of his memories intact.

The movie is one of 2025’s most anticipated releases and the cast also includes Mark Ruffalo, Toni Collette and Steven Yeun.

Published in Dawn, Young World, October 5th, 2024