As first reported exclusively by Variety (READ), WWE Studios is marching into battle with the third installment of "The Marine" franchise, with none other than Randy Orton as the film's star. Scott Wiper, who helmed 2007's "Stone Cold" Steve Austin-starring "The Condemned," is in early talks to direct the sequel titled "The Marine: Homefront."
This will mark the first of three straight-to-DVD and Blu-ray movies that WWE Studios will produce alongside Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. The WWE Universe can get its first look at production of the film during this weekend's WrestleMania XXVIII Axxess in Miami, where fans can audition for a small role in the screenplay.
WWE's Apex Predator follows in the footsteps of longtime rival John Cena and formery Legacy cohort Ted DiBiase, who each starred in previous "Marine" films. One of SmackDown's most popular Superstars, Orton appeared in last year's WWE Studios drama "That's What I Am" alongside Academy Award winner Ed Harris. In "The Marine: Homefront," The Viper will portray a Marine forced to strike against a radical militia group that kidnaps his rebellious daughter, while simultaneously attempting to thwart a terrorism plot.
Orton expressed excitement at the opportunity, stating on his official twitter account: "Always have wanted to do an action movie, and I'm finally getting the chance." The heart-pounding adventure starts shooting this June.