Filming for Matchbox, an upcoming Apple TV+ action comedy starring John Cena, recently wrapped a key location shoot just across the Czech-Slovak border. In early April, high-speed stunts and dramatic explosions were filmed along a closed section of Slovakia’s D1 motorway outside the northern city of Žilina.
The Slovak shoot forms part of a globe-trotting production that began in Budapest in January 2025 and continued through Morocco and Los Angeles. Backed by Apple Studios, Skydance Media, and Mattel Films, Matchbox is one of several of Mattel’s toy-based movies in development following the success of Barbie, though this one leans into gritty action-comedy.
Matchbox is directed by stuntman-turned-filmmaker Sam Hargrave, who previously made the two Extraction movies for Netflix—the second of which was filmed in and around Prague. His latest film centers on a group of estranged friends forced into a life-or-death mission after being framed for a failed operation.
Earlier this spring, sections of Slovakia’s D1 and D3 highways near Žilina and Kysuce were shut down to accommodate the filming of complex action scenes for Matchbox. These included a high-speed truck chase that culminated in a vehicle plunging off a bridge—scenes captured in leaked clips circulating on TikTok and Slovak social media.
The production coincided with routine tunnel maintenance, according to the National Highway Company, which helped streamline the logistics of the closures.
Filming focused on the Hričovské Podhradie–Lietavská Lúčka stretch of the D1, including the Žilina and Ovčiarsko tunnels. After initial work in the area concluded, the production team moved north toward Kysuce to stage what local media described as “the most action-packed scenes,” including a spectacular truck crash filmed on an elevated motorway.
While Slovak authorities coordinated closely with the film’s production team, motorists in the region faced significant delays due to the extended road closures. Police provided regular traffic updates and cautioned drivers to avoid filming zones.
Though Apple has not officially commented on the Slovakia shoot, lead actor John Cena drew attention from fans by posting a cryptic Slovak-language Instagram story during production. The post, showing a single Slovak word, sparked curiosity among international followers and was picked up by local media.
The latest for the Mattel Cinematic Universe
Matchbox marks another major step in Apple’s growing slate of original films, and is among the highest-profile projects yet for Mattel Films, which is developing multiple movies based on classic toy brands. The film takes its name from the miniature die-cast car line introduced by British toymaker Lesney in the 1950s and now owned by Mattel.
The plot follows Sean (Cena), a former soldier who reunites with childhood friends after a successful mission, only to be kidnapped and framed. The group must clear their names and rediscover their friendship in a high-stakes cross-continental adventure. In addition to Cena, the ensemble cast includes Jessica Biel, Sam Richardson, Arturo Castro, Teyonah Parris, Randeep Hooda, Danai Gurira, and Corey Stoll.
The film’s production schedule has spanned several continents, with filming beginning in Budapest and moving to Morocco in March. Scenes were shot in Casablanca, Erfoud, and Merzouga, with car chases and desert sequences prominently featured in behind-the-scenes posts. After wrapping in Slovakia in April, the production is expected to conclude in Los Angeles.
While Matchbox does not yet have a confirmed release date, it is slated to debut on Apple TV+ in 2026. Its combination of stunt-driven spectacle and ensemble comedy places it in line with action franchises like Fast & Furious and The A-Team, albeit with a nostalgic twist tied to its toy-brand origins.
Though not a typical destination for large-scale Hollywood films, Slovakia is gaining traction as a filming location due to its modern infrastructure and proximity to other Central European hubs, sitting directly in-between Hungary and the Czech Republic. The country also boasts attractive film production incentives that rival its neighbors.
Lead photo: John Cena in F9 (2021) / Montage: The Prague Reporter
