Randeep Hooda teams up with John Cena for Sam Hargrave’s action-thriller 'Matchbox'

Bollywood actor Randeep Hooda is set to reunite with director Sam Hargrave for Apple Original Films' action thriller Matchbox, as reported by Variety.

This marks their second collaboration following the success of their 2020 Netflix hit, Extraction.

Joining Hooda in the film are Hollywood stars John Cena, Teyonah Parris, Jessica Biel, and Sam Richardson. Currently being filmed in Budapest, Matchbox is inspired by Mattel's iconic Matchbox toy vehicle line.

The movie is directed by Hargrave, known for his work on Avengers: Endgame and Extraction 2, with a script by David Coggeshall and Jonathan Tropper.

It is produced by Skydance's David Ellison and Dana Goldberg, along with Mattel Films' Don Granger and Robbie Brenner.

The story revolves around a group of childhood friends who reunite to prevent a global disaster while rediscovering their bond. The film’s concept is rooted in the Matchbox car line, created in 1953 by Jack Odell, which remains a global phenomenon with two Matchbox cars sold every second worldwide.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Hooda said, "Excited to be working with Sam again. We had a great time on our first collaboration with Extraction. Sam is a master of high-octane storytelling and action. Glad to be joining the team in Budapest."

Apart from Matchbox, Hooda has a series of projects lined up. He recently directed and starred in Swatantrya Veer Savarkar and is filming Jaat, directed by Gopichand Malineni and co-starring Sunny Deol.

This movie is being produced by the team behind Pushpa 2. Additionally, Hooda is attached to Arjun Ustara, directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, according to Variety.