Matchbox The Movie Gets Collector Diorama With Director Sam Hargrave and Movie Cars
Mattel is turning a behind-the-scenes piece of Matchbox The Movie into a collectible of its own. The new Matchbox The Movie Director Diorama recreates director Sam Hargrave on set filming a chase sequence, complete with two of the vehicles used to represent the production: a chase-damaged 1968 Ford Mustang Fastback and a Mercedes-Benz G-Class outfitted with an articulating camera crane.
The $40 collector set is available through Mattel Creations and arrives ahead of the action-comedy’s October 9, 2026 premiere on Apple TV. What makes the diorama particularly fitting is how Matchbox toys were used during production of the film itself. According to Mattel, Hargrave used actual Matchbox cars to block out action scenes and rehearse stunts before filming them at full scale. The new set essentially flips that process around, shrinking Hargrave and his movie set back down into Matchbox form.
The centerpiece is a mini figure of Hargrave positioned behind the action as the Mustang is filmed using the Mercedes-Benz camera vehicle. The G-Class includes an articulated crane, while the Mustang is presented with chase damage rather than as a pristine showroom version.
Mattel designed the set specifically as a display piece rather than packaging the vehicles as a standard two-car release. The window box incorporates an illustrated backdrop that turns the entire package into a miniature movie set, allowing collectors to display the scene without removing the contents. That gives the release an interesting crossover between die-cast collecting and movie memorabilia. Instead of simply recreating vehicles appearing on screen, Mattel is commemorating the filmmaking process itself and the director’s use of Matchbox toys as production tools.
The connection is especially appropriate for a movie built around a toy brand that has been producing 1:64-scale vehicles for generations. Mattel describes the diorama as an “ode to everything 1:64,” with both the subject matter and the story behind it rooted in miniature cars.
The package measures approximately 9.5 inches wide, 5.25 inches tall and 4.25 inches deep. Mattel notes that the set includes one Sam Hargrave director figure; other figures shown in promotional photography are not included. Matchbox The Movie premieres October 9 on Apple TV, while the Matchbox The Movie Director Diorama is being offered through Mattel Creations for $40.