WWE Star Roman Reigns Joins Pal Dwayne Johnson In ‘Hobbs And Shaw’

Joe Anoa’i, also known as WWE champion Roman Reigns, and has been cast in Hobbs and Shaw, the Fast & Furious spinoff toplined by Jason Statham and Dwayne Johnson. The move reunites Anoa’i and Johnson, both college football stars before becoming pro wrestlers.

Johnson of course segued out of the ring to become one of Hollywood’s biggest action stars. Now Anoa’i has signed with Artists First for representation and is making his movie acting debut.

Johnson made the casting official via his Instagram today, saying Anoa’i is playing his brother in the spinoff:

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The brothers’ roar. A lil’ HOBBS & SHAW exclusive. Good times droppin’ sweat and spillin’ blood with my family, @RomanReigns who’ll be playing my brother in our FAST & FURIOUS UNIVERSE. I’m very proud of his focus, effort and authentic performance in our movie for his very first time on film. I’m also very grateful to spend this quality time with my cousin here in the islands as he takes life one day at a time to recover from leukemia. His perseverance and humility battling this challenge has inspired our entire family as well as millions around the world in our beloved @WWE Universe. Can’t wait to see the “Big Dog” return back to the ring – his positive & focused mindset to return is straight up next level. Til’ then, this sacred Samoan 🇼🇸 ground you stand on is nourished with our ancestors blood. Today, we nourish it with yours. #WelcomeRomanReigns #Brothers #HobbsAndShaw THIS SUMMER 🔥💪🏾 @hhgarcia41 📸

A post shared by therock (@therock) on Jan 25, 2019 at 11:16am PST

Universal has set an August 2, 2019 release date for the film, which focuses on main franchise characters U.S. Diplomatic Security Agent Luke Hobbs (Johnson) and Deckard Shaw (Statham), who form an unlikely alliance. David Leitch directs the script from franchise producer Chris Morgan.

Anoa’i in October announced on WWE Raw that he was relinquishing his championship belt and stepping back from wrestling after a recurrence of leukemia, 10 years after his original diagnosis. Johnson hinted today a return to the ring for Anoa’i was coming.

He is also repped by Torres Benet.