Teyonah Parris, widely recognized for her portrayal of Monica Rambeau in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is set to join John Cena in the upcoming film Matchbox. The live-action project is part of Apple Original Films and is inspired by Mattel’s iconic Matchbox car toy line.

The film, directed by Extraction filmmaker Sam Hargrave, features a screenplay by David Coggeshall and Jonathan Tropper. The cast also includes Jessica Biel and Sam Richardson, adding star power to the highly anticipated action-adventure.

A Thrilling Plot
Matchbox promises to be a globetrotting, action-filled adventure. The story centers on a group of childhood friends who must reunite to prevent a global catastrophe, rekindling their bond in the process.

The inspiration for the movie comes from the Matchbox toy vehicles created in 1953 by automotive enthusiast Jack Odell. Initially designed as toys small enough to fit into matchboxes, the brand became a global phenomenon and was acquired by Mattel in 1997.

Production Team
The film is produced by Skydance’s David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Don Granger, alongside Robbie Brenner for Mattel Films. Jules Daly is also attached as a producer.

About Teyonah Parris

Teyonah Parris has gained acclaim for her work in The Marvels, WandaVision, Spike Lee’s Chi-Raq, and Candyman. Her recent performances include They Cloned Tyrone on Netflix, where she starred alongside John Boyega and Jamie Foxx. Production for Matchbox is slated to begin in January, making this an exciting addition to Apple Original Films’ lineup.

Born on September 22, 1987,  she is a distinguished American actress celebrated for her versatile roles in television and film. A graduate of the prestigious Juilliard School, Parris began her acting journey in 2010 and quickly gained recognition for her remarkable talent and screen presence.

Her breakout role came with the critically acclaimed AMC drama series Mad Men (2012–2015), where she portrayed Dawn Chambers, the first African-American secretary at Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce. This performance established her as a formidable talent in Hollywood.

In 2014, Parris demonstrated her ability to tackle socially charged narratives with a starring role in the independent film Dear White People. The film, a satirical exploration of race relations on a college campus, resonated with audiences and showcased her ability to bring depth and nuance to complex characters.

Parris continued to diversify her portfolio with appearances in notable productions such as the hit drama series Empire (2014). In 2015, she took on a leading role in Spike Lee's provocative crime comedy Chi-Raq, a modern adaptation of Aristophanes' Lysistrata. Her performance garnered critical acclaim, further solidifying her reputation as a dynamic and fearless performer.

In 2018, Parris was part of the ensemble cast of If Beale Street Could Talk, directed by Barry Jenkins. The film, an adaptation of James Baldwin's novel, was praised for its poetic storytelling and emotional depth, and Parris's performance was a testament to her ability to shine in ensemble settings.

Parris reached new heights in her career in 2021 with her starring role in the horror film Candyman, a contemporary sequel to the 1992 cult classic. That same year, she stepped into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), portraying Monica Rambeau in the Disney+ series WandaVision. Her portrayal of Rambeau, a character with a rich comic book history, introduced her to a global audience and cemented her status as a prominent figure in mainstream entertainment.

With her talent, charisma, and commitment to her craft, Teyonah Parris continues to captivate audiences and is undoubtedly a rising star in Hollywood's constellation of elite performers.