From the Ring to the Red Carpet: WWE Champion Joins A-List Cast of Netflix's The Bodyguard
Reigning WWE World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk is stepping out of the ring and into Netflix’s star-studded rom-com The Bodyguard, making his boldest Hollywood move yet.
CM Punk is trading the ring for a rom-com. Netflix is putting together a movie called 'The Bodyguard' (based on the Katherine Center book, not the Whitney/Kevin one), and yes, the current WWE World Heavyweight Champion just joined the cast. I did not have 'CM Punk cracks jokes in a Christmas romance' on my 2025 bingo card, but here we are.
What this 'Bodyguard' actually is
The film centers on a tough, no-nonsense protection pro who gets assigned to shadow a charming action star over the holidays. Feelings flare, secrets pop up, and Christmas gets complicated. Pretty classic setup. It’s based on Center’s novel, though it’s unclear how closely the movie will follow the book.
Who is playing who
Punk (real name Phillip Brooks) is playing a character named Doghouse. And yes, the name fits the vibe.
He’s a physically intimidating member of the security detail, known for his loyalty and humor.
The leads are Jared Padalecki and Leighton Meester, which is a fun pairing if you grew up on Supernatural and Gossip Girl and now enjoy cozy holiday chaos. The supporting lineup is solid too.
- Leads: Jared Padalecki, Leighton Meester
- Also starring: Andie MacDowell, Walker Hayes, Noah LaLonde, Toby Sandeman
- New addition: CM Punk as Doghouse
- Director: Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum ('Aquamarine')
- Writers: Erin Cardillo and Richard Keith
Where you might have seen them lately
Padalecki popped up last year on 'Fire Country' as Camden and will next be in the final season of 'The Boys,' reuniting with his Supernatural pals Jensen Ackles and Misha Collins. Meester has 'Nobody Wants This' Season 2 on deck, plus she’s starring in Rachel Sennott’s upcoming HBO comedy 'I Love LA.'
As for Punk, this is the kind of role that lets him be, well, CM Punk: imposing, deadpan, and weirdly charming. If they lean into the humor, it could be a good time. No word yet on how much of the book’s exact storyline makes it to screen, but the holiday romance framework is locked in. Netflix has its lane; this fits right in.