Jessica Biel has made a striking return to the silver screen with her latest project, ‘Matchbox the Movie.’ This marks her first film in more than nine years, coinciding with a resurgence of confidence in her personal life, particularly as a mother to two children. Biel, who is married to pop star Justin Timberlake, is mum to Silas, aged 11, and Phineas, aged 6.
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In an interview with PEOPLE, Biel reflected on her motivation for re-entering the film industry, revealing that her journey into motherhood significantly affected her perspective on her career. “After you have kids, your body does crazy things,” she stated. “And you’re like, ‘When is this body ever going to feel like mine again?’ I think, finally, I feel like myself again after 11 years. That might sound a bit ludicrous, but it’s true.”
Her newfound strength and confidence are particularly vital for a role that features high-octane action sequences. Biel plays Aimee, an emergency medical technician with a penchant for amateur race-car driving. Many of the film’s breathtaking scenes include high-speed car chases, a challenge that Biel felt ready to tackle. “I really felt like I could trust myself to have the physical capabilities to do something like this again,” she shared. “It just felt like the perfect timing to take part in a project that my kids could enjoy and perhaps think I was cool for doing.”
Moreover, Biel’s children are evidently impressed with her acting comeback. Silas even made a cameo appearance in the film, which Biel described as a “cute” moment at the premiere held in New York City on October 5. “He plays a small part in the movie at the very end,” she noted, clearly proud of her son’s involvement.
The mother of two wasn’t shy about sharing her children’s reviews of the film. Both boys have already seen the finished product and were enthusiastic about it. Biel recounted that their feedback was straightforward: “Their reviews are like, ‘Yeah, it was awesome. Obviously. It was cool,’” she said, mimicking a playful voice.
However, not all feedback was complimentary—Silas had one particular critique of his mother’s fashion choice. Biel revealed that he was quite apprehensive about a striking green dress she wore to the premiere, quipping, “He was like, ‘What are you wearing, Mum? Yuck!’”
At the San Diego Comic-Con in July, Biel elaborated on how family considerations influenced her decision to return to acting. “I have little kids, you know, and there’s a lot of elements that go into a decision, for me at least,” she explained. “I was keen to engage in an action role again, and this project just felt right.”
‘Matchbox the Movie’ will be available for streaming on Apple TV starting October 9, and it seems that Biel’s excitement for the project is shared not only by her but also by her children. As she embarks on this journey back into the limelight, it is clear that family is at the heart of her choices.
For Biel, this latest role is more than just a return to acting; it’s a way to connect with her children and perhaps inspire them. With their approval and support, the actress is ready to embrace this new chapter with enthusiasm and a sense of fun.