Matchbox stars join Mattel and Red Cross for relief drive
The cast of Matchbox is lending its launch week to disaster relief. John Cena, Jessica Biel, Sam Richardson, Arturo Castro and Teyonah Parris have teamed with Mattel on a pledge drive for the American Red Cross, Variety reported. The spot landed on 8 October, a day before the film's arrival.
The film is a public-service announcement, a short message made to support a cause rather than sell tickets. It is a collaboration between Mattel Philanthropy, the company's charitable organisation, and the American Red Cross, Variety reported. It urges viewers to back Red Cross efforts to provide shelter, food, essential supplies and other critical support to people affected by disasters.
Mattel is putting the appeal in direct language. Its news feed invites the public to join Mattel and the American Red Cross "to help keep relief moving when disaster strikes," according to Mattel. That message sits alongside the company's wider announcement titled 'Mattel Supports the American Red Cross and Everyday Heroes with Global Giveback Campaign for Matchbox The Movie'.
The charity push lands with the release. The PSA coincides with the 9 October release of Matchbox, Variety reported. The film is scheduled to stream on Apple TV on 9 October, according to Mattel. Apple TV is the subscription streaming service that carries Apple's original films and series.
Matchbox The Movie is an action-comedy adventure inspired by the Matchbox brand of small die-cast vehicles, Variety reported. Cena plays Sean. He is an undercover CIA agent who pulls childhood friends into a high-stakes international mission. Biel, Richardson, Castro and Parris round out that circle of friends.
The cast has already gathered to launch the film. Apple Original Films held a special screening of Matchbox The Movie in Mexico City attended by Cena and Biel, according to Apple. Richardson, Parris and Castro were also named among the guests. The event brought the five principal cast members together in one place before streaming began.
For fans, this means the premiere comes with an ask. Watch the adventure from 9 October. Consider the relief appeal alongside it.
