CM Punk Signs On for Netflix Romantic Comedy Adaptation of Katherine Center's Novel 'The Bodyguard'

Wrestling star and actor CM Punk, known for his work on WWE Monday Night Raw and recent roles in Zootopia 2, has joined the cast of Netflixs upcoming romantic comedy based on Katherine Centers novel The Bodyguard, sources close to the project report.

The story, set during the holiday season, follows a pragmatic bodyguard tasked with protecting a charismatic action star, sparking unexpected romance and unraveling hidden secrets. The films plot details and its faithfulness to the original novel remain closely guarded by Netflix.

Punk, whose real name is Phillip Jack Brooks, will portray Doghouse, a loyal and humorous yet physically imposing member of the security team. The ensemble cast also includes Leighton Meester, Jared Padalecki, Andie MacDowell, Walker Hayes, Noah LaLonde, and Toby Sandeman.

Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum, director of Aquamarine, will helm the project from a script written by Erin Cardillo and Richard Keith, known for Isnt It Romantic and Virgin River. Producers Gina Matthews and Grant Scharbo are working under Little Engine Productions, with Jared and Genevieve Padalecki producing for Living in the Asterisk.

Currently, Punk appears as one of the Zebros in Zootopia 2 alongside Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, and Ke Huy Quan. On television, he stars in Syfys series Revival, which premiered its first season in June. Punk, a Chicago native, is also renowned for his WWE career and currently holds the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, having recently headlined at Survivor Series WarGames in San Diego.

Fans can next see him in the indie horror thriller Night Patrol with Jermaine Fowler, Justin Long, and Freddie Gibbs, set to release on 1,500 screens on January 16. Punk is represented by Paradigm.

CM Punk Joins Netflix's Upcoming Romantic Comedy "The Bodyguard" Based on Katherine Center’s Novel

Wrestling icon CM Punk, known for his roles in WWE and recent appearance in Zootopia 2, has officially joined the cast of Netflix’s romantic comedy adaptation of Katherine Center’s novel, The Bodyguard. According to reports from sources close to the project, Punk's character, "Doghouse," will bring humor and physicality to the role of a member of the security team tasked with protecting a famous action star.

The story of the film centers on a pragmatic bodyguard who must protect a charismatic Hollywood star during the holiday season, leading to unexpected romance and the revelation of hidden secrets. While details of the plot have been closely kept under wraps by Netflix, the adaptation is expected to retain the spirit of Center’s original work.

Punk’s involvement adds to a growing list of notable actors in the ensemble cast, which includes Leighton Meester, Jared Padalecki, Andie MacDowell, Walker Hayes, and others. Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum, known for directing Aquamarine, will helm the project with a script by Erin Cardillo and Richard Keith. The film’s production is being handled by Gina Matthews and Grant Scharbo under Little Engine Productions, with Jared and Genevieve Padalecki producing for Living in the Asterisk.

This move marks another step in CM Punk’s expanding career, following his recent appearances on both the big screen in Zootopia 2 and on television with Syfy’s Revival, which premiered its first season in June. Additionally, Punk will be featured in the indie horror thriller Night Patrol due for release in January 2026. Fans of Punk will have plenty to look forward to in both his cinematic and wrestling careers, as he continues to make waves in multiple industries.

Sources:

• CM Punk Joins Netflix Rom-Com Based On Katherine Center Novel ‘The Bodyguard’

Author: Maya Henderson
Maya Henderson is a journalist focused on technology and startups. She has experience in leading IT publications and excels at conducting interviews and creating visual content.