Published: 1 hour ago by Dave Adamson | Last Updated: 1 hour ago by Dave Adamson
Dave has been a website writer for WrestleTalk since October 2022, having previously written for Den of Geek, among a number of wrestling, movie and television-related sites. Dave has been around the independent wrestling scene for more than a decade, including behind-the-scenes.
WWE
As 2026 draws to a close, a number of WWE stars will be heading to the big screen, with more to follow in the coming years.
When it comes to mainstream movie success, there are perhaps fewer WWE names bigger than Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and John Cena, both of whom have big-screen ventures releasing this year, without forgetting Dave Bautista.
They’re not the only WWE names heading to the movie theaters, though.
Cody Rhodes & Roman Reigns
Set for an October 16 release date, Street Fighter makes it big screen return in live-action form, courtesy of Kitao Sakurai.
The adaptation of the video game franchise sees Cody Rhodes as Guile and Roman Reigns as Akuma, with both WWE stars being praised for their performances by David Dastmalchian, the actor who is portraying M. Bison.
Liv Morgan
Liv Morgan stars in Takashi Miike’s Bad Lieutenant: Tokyo, the third movie in the Japanese franchise.
Miike is a notable filmmaker, renowned for projects that depict humanity through graphic violence. Bad Lieutenant: Tokyo continues that trend and will no doubt reaffirm his status as a cult figure in the movie world.
The WWE star has previously commented on the skills she was able to bring to the movie world and how they translate to the big screen.
The Rock
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson returns to the role of Dr Xander “Smolder” Bravestone in Jumanji: Open World.
With a release date of December 25, the sequel to 2019’s Jumanji: Next Level reunites Johnson with Karen Gillen, Jack Black and Kevin Hart in a movie that will close the franchise.
John Cena
John Cena brings the toy cars to the screen with Matchbox The Movie, not so much a big-screen adventure as one that will air on Apple TV from October 9.
Cena also starred in the previously cancelled and then released Coyote vs. Acme this year, with the movie being well received at the cinema by critics.
Honorable Mention To Highlander
Dave Bautista and Drew McIntyre both star in the reboot of the Highlander movie franchise, with no release date as yet confirmed.
Henry Cavill takes over the role of Connor MacLeod, previously played by Christopher Lambert, while Batista portrays The Kurgan (previously portrayed by Clancy Brown). As for McIntyre, he will be Angus MacLeod, Connor’s brother and chief of the clan.
McIntyre and Batista previously starred together in the 2024 movie The Killer’s Game, while Karen Gillan swaps The Rock in Jumanji: Open World for the role of Heather MacLeod, the first wife of Connor.
For fans of the 1986 original, Juan Sánchez-Villalobos Ramírez will also be returning, although Sean Connery does not. This time, Russell Crowe steps into the role.
Batista will also appear in Alpha Gang, which will get its Toronto International Film Festival premiere this month, with the festival taking place between September 10 and 20.
More Mainstream Opportunities
With MJF and Becky Lynch having both seen success outside in mainstream projects, it’s clear that opportunties exist for talent able to prove their worth in Hollywood, be it in movies or television series. CM Punk has also see his share of movie roles over the past year, with Zootopia 2 and Night Patrol added to his filmography.
It’s not all bigger projects either. AEW star HOOK has previously spoken about starring in short films and a potential acting career, proving their are opportunities for those seeking them.
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