John Cena and legendary actress Kathy Bates are joining the cast of the upcoming political thriller The Independent, according to a recent report from Deadline.
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The two actors will join a cast that already includes Brian Cox (Succession) and Jodie Turner-Smith (Queen & Slim) in starring roles, setting the stage for a star-studded cast. The film will be directed by Amy Rice, with a script written by Evan Parter. Ryan Cunningham of Anonymous Content and Sam Bisbee of Park Pictures and Thea Dunlap are producing the film, with Caddy Vanasirikul of The Exchange and Evan Parter also attached as producers.
The Independent follows the story of “the final weeks of the most consequential presidential election in history,” according to Deadline. Jodie Turner-Smith plays a young journalist who, together with her idol (Brian Cox), will help uncover a conspiracy that could shift the entire election. The report notes that John Cena and Kathy Bates will play both Presidential candidates in the film.
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After making a name for himself as a legend in the professional wrestling world, Cena has successfully made the leap into the world of Hollywood, starring in a variety of films, most recently James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad, where he played Peacemaker. Bates, on the other hand, has been a legendary actress for years now, having starred in films since the 1970s and winning an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Misery.
