WWE World Champion CM Punk speaks on wrestling future and latest films

Key Concepts

• CM Punk (Phil Brooks): Professional wrestler and actor, currently WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
• Zootopia 2: Upcoming Disney animated film featuring CM Punk and Roman Reigns as voice actors.
• Night Patrol: Upcoming horror film starring CM Punk, described as an action-horror film with social commentary.
• Stereotyping of Wrestlers: The perception of wrestlers as unintelligent or limited in their capabilities.
• Career Transition: CM Punk’s move towards expanding his acting career alongside his wrestling career.

CM Punk: From Wrestling Champion to Hollywood – A Conversation with Phil Brooks

This conversation with WWE wrestler and actor CM Punk (Phil Brooks) details his current projects, career aspirations, and perspectives on his evolving role in entertainment. The discussion covers his involvement in Zootopia 2 and the horror film Night Patrol, as well as his broader ambitions to challenge stereotypes associated with professional wrestlers.

I. Current Projects: Zootopia 2 and Night Patrol

CM Punk is currently involved in two distinct film projects. He voices one of the “Zebrros” in Zootopia 2, Disney’s sequel to their highest-grossing animated film to date. He stars alongside fellow WWE wrestler Roman Reigns, noting the natural on-screen chemistry they share, which was recognized by casting directors. He described the experience as unexpected, stating, “I can’t say it was a dream… I’m just a guy that takes every single opportunity that comes my way. I never woke up and said, 'I want to be a Disney princess.'"

His other project, Night Patrol, is a horror film releasing January 16th. Punk describes it as a dark and gritty action-horror film set in a major metropolitan city, featuring a supernatural element involving vampires. He characterizes the film as something he “would watch… I wouldn't be allowed to watch this movie, but I would watch this movie if I was eight years old,” highlighting its intense and potentially disturbing nature. He emphasizes the film’s exploration of “real world problems” through a “fantastic backdrop of vampires,” suggesting a layer of social commentary. The film is described as involving “LAPD Bloods, Crips, gang members with a supernatural twist.”

II. The Appeal of Playing Villains

Punk expresses a strong affinity for playing villainous roles, stating, “I feel like playing a villain is something that I was possibly born to do.” He attributes this to the freedom and creative license afforded to villains, noting they “always have better weapons, cooler vehicles” and can be “more grandiose.” He believes villains allow actors to explore a wider range of behaviors and emotions, and to connect with audiences on a deeper, emotional level by tapping into experiences with villainy in real life. He states, “in life everybody has encountered some type of villain and then they remember how that made them feel.”

III. Wrestling Career and Relationship with Trish Stratus

The conversation touches upon Punk’s return to WWE and his success alongside his wife, Trish Stratus. Their first kiss occurred on-screen during a wrestling event, followed by Stratus throwing him “through a table.” This anecdote highlights the unique and often dramatic nature of their professional relationship. He acknowledges the eventual end of a wrestling career, expressing a desire to “enjoy this ride while it lasts” knowing it won’t continue indefinitely, particularly for the enjoyment of his 11-year-old son.

IV. Challenging Stereotypes and Future Aspirations

Punk acknowledges the common perception of wrestlers as “big [and] stupid” and expresses a desire to break down these stereotypes, citing John Cena and Dave Batista (and The Rock) as examples of wrestlers who have successfully transitioned into acting and demonstrated broader capabilities. He is currently filming a romantic comedy in Calgary, a project he believes will challenge audience perceptions of him. He emphasizes his passion for professional wrestling but recognizes its finite nature, driving his pursuit of diverse opportunities in acting.

V. Logical Connections and Overall Perspective

The conversation flows logically from discussing current projects to exploring Punk’s broader career goals and personal perspectives. The discussion of Zootopia 2 and Night Patrol serves as a springboard for examining his interest in villainous roles and his desire to challenge preconceived notions about wrestlers. His relationship with Trish Stratus adds a personal dimension, while his acknowledgement of the eventual end of his wrestling career provides context for his pursuit of acting.

VI. Notable Quote

“I feel like playing a villain is something that I was possibly born to do.” – CM Punk, reflecting on his enjoyment of portraying antagonistic characters.

Technical Terms:

• WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment): A professional wrestling promotion.
• Romcom: A romantic comedy film genre.
• Metropolitan City: A large urban area.
• Stereotype: A widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing.