Fighting With My Family Commissioned By Film4

Details of a new comedy drama – Fighting With My Family – have been released by Film4. The film, written and directed by Stephen Merchant, is based on the true story of WWE Superstar Paige – and her family of professional wrestlers.

The film has been inspired by the Channel 4 documentary, The Wrestlers: Fighting With My Family, and tells the story of reformed gangster and former wrestler Ricky, his wife Julia and their two children, daughter Saraya and son Zak. Ricky and Julia want a better life for their children and when their children have an opportunity to audition for WWE, it seems the family dream is coming true. However, Saraya and Zak learn that becoming a WWE Superstar demands more than they ever imagined both as athletes and siblings.

Stephen Merchant will write, direct and executive produce the project. Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia and Hiram Garcia from Seven Bucks Productions will also serve as executive producers, while Kevin Misher of Misher Films will produce alongside WWE Studios president Michael Luisi.

The film is being co-financed by WWE Studios and Film4, who have developed the project from its inception. Johnson will also play a role in the film, with Florence Pugh in the role of WWE Superstar Paige. Jack Lowden will play her brother, Zak.

Principle photography on the film will commence in Los Angeles and London this month.

Dwayne Johnson said: "Back in 2012, I was in my hotel room in London and stumbled across a documentary on a local UK channel. Not only was I intrigued by this loving and wild family, but I also felt it's the kind of narrative that would make an amazing movie. The Knights' journey is a universal one that all families are familiar with. I relate to Saraya (Paige) and her wrestling family on such a personal level and it means so much that I can help tell their story."

Stephen Merchant added: "When Dwayne sent me the documentary, I didn't think I'd be interested in a story about wrestling. Until I realized this is not really about wrestling at all, it's about a young woman, her family and their struggles – which are funny, sad, tough, tender and ultimately inspiring. And just happen to involve people in spandex throwing each other about. I love that it's a true story about a working class girl who, against the odds, climbed to the very top of her unusual profession. And as with Rocky and boxing, even if you don't like her sport, you'll love her journey."

"What an incredible opportunity for WWE Studios to partner with revered WWE Superstar Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson to bring the compelling, heartwarming and often hilarious family story of WWE Superstar Paige to audiences worldwide," commented Michael Luisi, president of WWE Studios. "Stephen Merchant has such a keen creative eye and we are thrilled to be able to work with Daniel Battsek and his team at Film4, and Kevin Misher, to bring for the very first time the tale of one of our own to the big screen."

www.channel4.com

(JP)