WWE Studios is extending its longstanding partnership with Lionsgate to release six new action films that will serve as starring vehicles for WWE Superstars. The films will also serve as platforms for new and emerging talent.
Popular directorial team Jen and Sylvia Soska, twin sisters who directed one of WWE Studios’ previous collaborations with Lionsgate, the horror film ‘See No Evil 2,’ have signed on to helm the action movie, ‘Vendetta.’ The film, which will serve as the first installment of the “Action Six-Pack” series, will begin shooting this summer.
‘Vendetta,’ which is set to feature WWE Superstar Big Show, was written by Justin Shady. The film follows a hard-nosed detective who deliberately commits a crime to get thrown in prison. His sentence allows him to seek vengeance upon the criminal serving a life sentence for having brutally murdered the detective’s wife.
The second installment of the “Action Six-Pack” series is currently in development, and is set to begin shooting this fall. WWE Studios will utilize its extensive multi-platform network to promote each film.
“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.
WWE Studios and Lionsgate previously worked together on the 2006 horror thriller, ‘See No Evil,’ and the 2007 action thriller, ‘The Condemned.’ They reteamed on this year’s releases, ‘See No Evil 2’ and director Zach Lipovsky’s horror film, ‘Leprechaun: Origins.’
Written by: Karen Benardello