John Cena Joins Cast of Upcoming Political Thriller The Independent as Presidential Candidate

Deadline reports that WWE Superstar John Cena has joined the cast of the upcoming political thriller, The Independent. He joins the cast alongside Oscar winner Kathy Bates, Brian Cox, and Jodie Turner-Smith.

Both Cena and Bates are set to portray Presidential candidates for the upcoming film, which is due to start filming this November in New York City. It will be directed by Amy Rice (By The People: The Election of Barack Obama). The script is written by Evan Parter, which made the Hollywood Black List.

The story follows an idealistic young journalist (Turner-Smith) who partners with her idol (Cox) in order to uncover a conspiracy that puts the fate of the election and the country in their hands.

Ryan Cunningham of Anonymous Content and Sam Bisbee with Park Pictures and Thea Dunlap are producing the project along with Caddy Vanasirikul of The Exchange and Evan Parter. Meanwhile, Lance Acord and Jackie Kelman Bisbee of Park Pictures and Brian O’Shea and Nat McCormick of The Exchange will be serving as executive producers for the film.

O’Shea of The Exchange commented on the casting of Bates and Cena, “We’re incredibly excited to partner with Kathy Bates and John Cena on The Independent. Kathy’s exceptional acting skills, paired with Cena’s global appeal and ability to transform on-screen, make them incredible additions to this film. We couldn’t be happier that they’ve signed on.”

Cena last appeared for WWE in a dark match on SmackDown at Madison Square Garden on Sept. 10. He teamed with The Mysterios to beat Roman Reigns and The Usos.