Although it’s subject to debate, many gaming fans would likely rank the titular protagonist ofDuke Nukemas one ofthe best action video game characters everthanks to his bawdy tongue-in-cheek dialogue and testosterone-soaked parody of a personality. Now, it looks as if the gaming icon might make the leap to the silver screen sometime soon, as a recent report has indicated that WWE wrestler and actor John Cena is currently in talks to star as the character in a forthcoming movie inspired by the video game series.
According toThe Hollywood Reporter, Cena is in negotiations to star in aDuke Nukemfilm, following Paramount Pictures' acquisition of the rights to the franchise with Michael Bay’s production company Platinum Dunes set to produce the project. For those unaware, Platinum Dunes is primarily known for putting out such horror films asThe PurgeandOuija, as well as remakes of classic slasher flicks likeA Nightmare on Elm Street,Friday the 13th, andThe Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
As of now, it looks as if theDuke Nukemmovie is in the extremely early stages of development, with the project currently lacking a director and a script. Nevertheless, the search for a writer is apparently going to begin soon so as to develop the story around Cena’s starring role.
Prior to its production at Paramount Pictures, theDuke Nukemmovie was previously primed to be made by Dimension Films. However, the rights lapsed and Paramount snatched them up from the game’s development company,Gearbox Software.
All things considered, it’s too early to tell whether or not theDuke Nukemmovie will actually turn out to be a successful adaptation of the source material, but with Cena potentially being attached to the project, it at least has a shot at generating sizeable returns at the box office. After all, the wrestler-turned-actor’s range and appeal is quite broad, as he has the ability to anchor action movies (12 Rounds), take on dramatic roles (Legendary), and dish out comedic chops as well (Trainwreck).
