Action fans and followers of all things WWE can look forward to more feature-length projects in the not-too-distant future now that actor and wrestler, Paul Wight (better known as The Big Show) and the feature film branch of the company well known for bringing wrestlers to the forefront of film. The company has signed a six-picture deal that would renew their partnership with Lionsgate following the cult successes of their previous releases featuring wrestler-turned-actors like Kane, John Cena and Steve Austin. And to kick things off, the first film will see Wight’s return to the screen since starring in the 2010 comedy, Knucklehead, preceded by MacGruber and the 1998 comedy, The Waterboy.
SANTA MONICA, Calif. & STAMFORD, Conn., May 22, 2014 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Lionsgate, the premier next generation global content leader, and WWE Studios are extending their longstanding partnership to encompass six new action films which will serve as starring vehicles for WWE Superstars as well as incubators for new and emerging talent, the two companies announced today.
The popular directing team of Jen and Sylvia Soska (SEE NO EVIL 2, AMERICAN MARY) will return to the WWE Studios and Lionsgate fold to direct VENDETTA, the first installment of the “Action Six-Pack” series, which will commence photography this summer and feature WWE Superstar Big Show ® . The second installment of the “Six-Pack” series, which is currently in development, will commence photography this fall. WWE Studios will leverage its extensive multi-platform reach to promote each film.
Written by Justin Shady, VENDETTA centers on a hard-nosed detective who deliberately commits a crime to get thrown in prison, allowing him the chance to seek vengeance upon the criminal serving a life sentence for having brutally murdered the detective’s wife.
“This collection of six high octane films will not only excite our fans, but provide a stage for emerging and talented filmmakers like the Soska Sisters,” said Michael Luisi, WWE Studios President. He added, “We couldn’t have a better partner in this enterprise than Steve Beeks and the team at Lionsgate, who have been great teammates and are proven distributors of this genre.”
“We’re thrilled to join forces with Michael and his WWE team on a series of modestly-budgeted action films that extend our longstanding and successful partnership,” said Lionsgate Co-Chief Operating Officer and Motion Picture Group President Steve Beeks. “We have a strong track record in this genre, and we’re delighted to team with the WWE juggernaut to deliver action-packed event films that will resonate with their global fan base and beyond.”
WWE Studios and Lionsgate previously collaborated on THE CONDEMNED and SEE NO EVIL, as well as the upcoming 2014 releases LEPRECHAUN: ORIGINS and SEE NO EVIL 2. Bradley Buchanan, SVP of Business Affairs, negotiated the deal on behalf of WWE Studios and Wendy Jaffe negotiated the deal on behalf of Lionsgate.