Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s latest TV project will see him return to his roots: professional wrestling.
Johnson and Will Ferrell are teaming up on a new comedy series based on Johnson and former WWE head writer Brian Gewirtz’s early days in the WWE. The series has received a put pilot commitment at Fox.
The series will follow an awkward young wrestling writer who develops a friendship with a charismatic young wrestler, as both look to make their mark on the business.
“This November will mark the 20th anniversary of my professional wrestling debut. I was 24 years old, putting in the hard work, making 40 bucks per match and had no clue of the long journey that lay ahead of me with characters and backstage stories so colorful you’d think there’s no way that can be true,” Johnson said. “The entertaining show that goes on in front of the crowd pales in comparison to the insanely entertaining show that goes on backstage. Brian and myself can’t wait to tell our stories.”
The project is a co-production of Seven Bucks Productions and Gary Sanchez Productions in association with 20th Century Fox Television. Seven Bucks Productions’ Johnson, Gewirtz, Dany Garcia, along with Gary Sanchez Productions’ Ferrell, Adam McKay and Kevin Messick will serve as executive producers. Andrew Gurland will write the pilot script and serve as an executive producer.
Gewirtz and Johnson met in their fledgling days in the WWE in real life, with Gewirtz now serving as a development executive for Seven Bucks.
This is the latest in a string of TV projects from Seven Bucks, which is also producing several of Johnson’s upcoming films. The company currently produces Johnson’s HBO series “Ballers” and is developing a cop drama at Fox called “Boost Unit” and a Muscle Beach series at USA Network.
Variety first reported this news.