Jessica Biel returns to movies after nine years with action-packed 'Matchbox'

Jessica Biel is making her long-awaited return to the big screen, with the actress saying she is thrilled to be back in films after a nine-year break.

The 44-year-old attended San Diego Comic-Con alongside co-stars John Cena, Arturo Castro, Sam Richardson and Teyonah Parris to promote Matchbox the Movie, the live-action adaptation of Mattel's iconic toy brand.

Speaking to People, Biel admitted she had been eager to return to filmmaking but wanted to wait for the right opportunity.

"Getting back into the film industry has been something that I've been really excited about doing," she said. "It has to be right timing, it has to be the right thing."

The actress explained that balancing work with family life played a major role in her decision-making process. Biel shares sons Silas and Phineas with husband Justin Timberlake.

"I have little kids, you know, there's a lot of elements that go into a decision," she said.

According to Biel, Matchbox the Movie checked every box, thanks to its action-packed story, nostalgic appeal and ensemble cast.

"I was inspired by this cast, was inspired by these cars and the nostalgia. I wanted to do something in the action space again, and this just seemed like the right thing," she added.

Biel last appeared in the 2017 film Shock and Awe before shifting her focus to television projects, including Candy and The Better Sister.

The upcoming film follows a group of childhood friends who become caught in a globe-spanning mission after an undercover CIA agent, played by John Cena, returns to their hometown.

Reflecting on the toy line that inspired the movie, Biel said it reminded her of growing up.

"I played with Matchbox as a kid... We had a lot of Matchbox cars. And I'm still buying Matchbox for my kids now. It never goes away, it never gets old."

Directed by Extraction filmmaker Sam Hargrave, Matchbox the Movie will begin streaming on Apple TV on October 9.