WWE Film 'Fighting With My Family' to Be Adapted as Stage Musical
The acclaimed wrestling film Fighting With My Family, which starred Florence Pugh and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, is set to be transformed into a stage musical. This adaptation marks a significant new chapter for the 2019 biopic, which was written and directed by Stephen Merchant and chronicled the true story of WWE superstar Paige, also known as Saraya Jade Bevis.
From Screen to Stage: A Natural Evolution
Stephen Merchant has expressed his long-held vision for the story as a musical, stating that he always viewed the film in musical terms during its production. He described it as featuring a young woman from the "chorus line" battling for her big break, surrounded by theatrical, larger-than-life characters and sweeping emotions. Merchant approached each wrestling match in the film as if it were a distinct dance number, building toward a show-stopping finale.
He remarked that seeing the film reimagined for the stage feels like the natural next step, praising the team for capturing the humour, grit, and heart of the story in a way that remains faithful to the original while feeling completely fresh.
The Story and Creative Team
The 2019 biopic followed Paige's journey from a chaotic British wrestling dynasty in Norwich to the bright lights of America's WWE arena, where she confronted her identity away from her family. The new coming-of-age musical will draw inspiration from this narrative, depicting the goth outsider's ascent from her family's wrestling ring to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in the US, along with the personal challenges that accompany it.
The musical's soundtrack will be crafted by acclaimed songwriter Miranda Cooper, known for her work with pop luminaries such as Kylie Minogue, Girls Aloud, Sugababes, Pet Shop Boys, and Alesha Dixon. This collaboration promises to infuse the production with a vibrant musical energy.
Enthusiastic Support from Dwayne Johnson
Dwayne Johnson, who starred in the film and comes from a wrestling family himself, echoed Merchant's enthusiasm for the adaptation. He noted that Fighting With My Family feels exceptionally well-suited for the stage, as it is packed with personal emotion expressed through the dynamic world of wrestling, which has always been about storytelling and connecting with a live audience.
Johnson added that working with Stephen Merchant on the film was a truly special experience, and he believes Merchant's brilliant work deserves this new act. He expressed confidence that the musical adaptation will be an absolute blast for theatre-goers as it comes to life musically.
Further details regarding the production, including casting and premiere dates, are expected to be announced in the coming months. This adaptation highlights the enduring appeal of Paige's inspiring story and the theatrical potential of wrestling narratives.
