Jessica Biel revealed the surprising reasons behind her return to film after a decade away from the big screen. The actress explained what drew her to Matchbox the Movie and opened up about balancing motherhood with her career comeback.

It took cars, comedy and John Cena to bring Jessica Biel back to movies

Jessica Biel makes her return to film after nine years with Mattel Cinematic Universe’s Matchbox the Movie. Biel stopped by Entertainment Weekly’s San Diego Comic-Con 2026 studio over the weekend to talk about her comeback. She reacted with shock upon realizing how long she had been away from cinema. “Oh, my God, really?” Biel said before describing Matchbox as “such a fun opportunity.”

Multiple elements attracted the actress back to the big screen. “I really am inspired by this amazing cast,” she shared. “I also played with Matchbox and it’s nostalgic for me, too.” Additionally, she expressed enthusiasm about “getting back into an action space, a comedy space, learning to drive these amazing cars.”

Biel’s previous film, Shock and Awe, released roughly ten years ago. During that gap, she starred in and produced TV series such as The Sinner, Limetown, Candy, and The Better Sister. Meanwhile, Parris highlighted everything Biel accomplished in that time. “That 10 years was full,” the WandaVision star noted. “Full of her role as an amazing mom and raising these kids. That’s a lot!”

Biel shares two sons, Silas, 11, and Phineas, 5, with husband Justin Timberlake. Production on Matchbox took her to Morocco, Slovakia, and Hungary while Timberlake wrapped his world tour. However, the scheduling “literally couldn’t have been worse,” Biel told InStyle. The couple tries to alternate which parent works full-time to provide their kids with stability. “It doesn’t always happen, because the opportunities arise and the timing is what it is,” Biel acknowledged. “You just have to take advantage of it.”

The action comedy features John Cena, Teyonah Parris, Arturo Castro, and Sam Richardson alongside Biel. Apple TV will release the film on Oct. 9.