Fox Television announced today that it has made a put pilot commitment forThe Untitled Dwayne Johnson/Brian Gewirtz/Andrew Gurland Wrestling Project, acomedy seriesinspired by the real life experiences ofDwayne Johnsonand former WWE head writer,Brian Gewirtz. The half-hour single camera comedy offers a behind-the-scenes look at a fictional professional wrestling outfit and chronicles the one-of-a-kind odd couple relationship that develops between a charismatic young Rock-like character and a painfully awkward comedy writer new to the world of wrestling. A fish out of water among all of these alpha males, this very beta former sitcom writer needs as much help as he can get navigating the extremely passionate, sometimes crazy and always unpredictable world of professional wrestling. Here’s whatDwayne Johnsonhad to say in a statement.
“This November will mark the 20th anniversary of myprofessional wrestlingdebut. 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. 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 with20th Century Fox Television. Seven Bucks Productions’Dwayne Johnson,Dany Garcia,Brian Gewirtzalong with Gary Sanchez Productions’Will Ferrell,Adam McKayandKevin Messickwill serve as executive producers. Andrew Gurland will write the pilot script and serve as an executive producer. Here’s whatBrian Gewirtzhad to say in his statement.
“Coming from Hollywood to thewrestling industry, with its intense backstage atmosphere and larger than life personalities, was a major culture shock. After working in the business for over 15 years, Dwayne and I had encounters and experiences that were unbelievable as well as unforgettable. We can’t wait to bring this project to the fans.”
Co-founded byDwayne Johnsonand producing partnerDany Garcia,Seven Bucks Productionsis a multi-platform production company pioneering original content for television, film, emerging technologies, and digital networks. Crossing all entertainment verticals, Seven Bucks Productions creates innovative content rooted in authenticity, strong storytelling, and passion. Here’s whatDany Garciahad to say in her statement.
“This has been a long time passion project and we’re thrilled to be jumping into the network comedic space on a topic we love and know so well. Fox, Gary Sanchez Productions andAndrew Gurlandare the perfect partners to help us bring this story to life.”
Andrew Gurland’s writing credits includeMail Order Wife,The Last ExorcismandThe Virginity Hit. He also created the FX comedy seriesMarried, which ran for two seasons on FX, starringNat FaxonandJudy Greer. Here’s whatAndrew Gurlandhad to say in his statement.
“I’ve always gravitated towards comedy that comes from a real place, which is why I jumped at the opportunity to work withDwayneandBrian. Their stories about the real drama behind pro-wrestling’s larger than life spectacle are hilarious and surprisingly poignant. I hope I do them justice.”
Seven Bucks Productions has an ever-expanding slate including tent-pole movies such as Paramount’sBaywatch, New Line’sShazam, Universal’sThe Janson Directiveand Dreamworks’Alpha Squad Seven. The company also produces original television programming including HBO’sBallers, Spike TV’sRock the Troopsand HBO Documentary FilmsRock and a Hard Place. Fox hasn’t announced a production schedule for The Untitled Dwayne Johnson/Brian Gewirtz/Andrew Gurland Wrestling Project yet.
