Katherine Center's The Bodyguard novel adaptation by Netflix to feature WWE Superstar CM Punk: Here's what we know

CM Punk is yet another WWE wrestler who is slowly transitioning into acting. Before him, there have been successful attempts by the likes of Dwayne Johnson, Dave Bautista, and John Cena. Punk has been active in the ring since the mid-1990s and has won several titles in his career. Besides wrestling, Punk has also been a mixed martial artist and was a part of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Recently, the former Intercontinental Champion has been roped into playing the protagonist in a Netflix film. The project will be an adaptation of Katherine Center’s 2022 novel The Bodyguard.

Let's explore more details about this film.

CM Punk to star in The Bodyguard film adaptation

CM Punk has been cast in the forthcoming romantic comedy film The Bodyguard. This romantic comedy is an official adaptation of Katherine Center’s namesake novel released in 2022.

The film will also feature Leighton Meester, Jared Padalecki, Toby Sandeman, Andie MacDowell, Walker Hayes, and Noah LaLonde. Punk will be playing the role of Doghouse, who is a security personnel. The film is directed by Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum, while Erin Cardillo and Richard Keith will be writing the script.

It is being produced by Gina Matthews, Genevieve Padalecki, Jared Padalecki, and Grant Scharbo under the production banners of Little Engine Productions and Living in the Asterisk.

The novel focuses on a serious bodyguard who is assigned to protect an action star. Slowly, the two start forming a bond together. Fans will have to wait for more details to unravel.

CM Punk, who is originally named Phillip Jack Brooks, recently lent his voice to a character, Zebros, in Zootopia 2. He has acted in films like Queens of the Ring, Girl on the Third Floor, Rabid, and Jakob’s Wife. Punk will next be featured in the horror thriller Night Patrol, which is slated to release on January 16, 2026.

Besides films, he has also appeared in television shows like Heels, Revival, and Mayans M.C. In a TV Insider interview, Punk spoke about his acting career:

"I say no to a lot of stuff too because I don’t want to be pigeonholed. I take roles I find interesting that I can also fit into my schedule. I’m not trying to peace out for six months and disappear off WWE television unless it’s the right role. So far everything has been pretty fluid and smooth and has worked."

CM Punk also mentioned Dave Bautista as his acting mentor:

"Just because he has been a friend for so long, Dave Bautista. I can reach out to Dave and ask him a million different questions. There are so many people I met along the way that have helped me out greatly. A lot of people on Heels like Mike O’Malley and so many. You meet so many producers, directors. Stephen Amell has been a huge help because, to me, this is his world."

More details about the film are awaited.