Wrestling star John Cena has reportedly signed a deal with theAmerican Gritseries’ producers Leftfield Entertainment for a development deal through which they will co-create and produce unscripted projects for television and digital platforms.
They are already working on several projects together, some of which includeseries set in the worlds of real estate and construction, and others that will cater to wider audience platforms as well. Cena may be servingas an executive producer for these shows under hisHard Nocks South production banner.
It was rumoured earlier that the 15-time WWE Champion wanted to focus on projects outside the company and had wanted a lighter schedule. Cena has shown interest in films and related areas earlier and has starred in quite a few ones, including the 2009film 12 Rounds, co-starring Aidan Gillen of Game of Thrones fame. In 2015 he starred in Judd Apatow’s romantic comedy filmTrainwreckwhich boasts of an ensemble castand Jason Moore’s comedy film starring Amy Poehler and Tina Fey called Sisters. He also did a video for the Love Has No Labelscampaign celebrating the American Independence Day by reminding people that being patriotic ismore than having pride in your country, it’s love beyond labels. He also hosted the2016 ESPY Awards on July 13 where he entertained the audience with his humorous one-liners and impressive monologues. He is also slated to host this year’s Teen Choice Awards to be aired on July 31.
Speaking about his new deal with Leftfield, Cena was reported as commenting: “Whether I’m in the ring for WWE or on a TV or film set, I approach all of my work the same way – with focus, authenticity and total commitment. I’m eager to bring that same work ethic to the team at Leftfield, and to create new kinds of programming that can inspire and push people to be their best. I’m living proof of what you can accomplish when that happens.”
Leftfield CEO David George expressed his enthusiasm over the new deal by praising the entertainer’s rare combination of commanding presence as well as humour. “There’s nowhere you can go with John Cena without eliciting respect, pure joy and excitement from everyone he meets”, George commented.
