Dwayne Johnson’s 'Fighting With My Family' to be turned into a musical

The 2019 film will return as a stage musical, produced by Stephen Merchant and Johnson

The 2019 film Fighting With My Family, written and produced by Stephen Merchant, is being adapted into a stage musical. The film starred Florence Pugh and Dwayne Johnson.

The musical will be written by award-winning playwright Jon Brittain, while Miranda Cooper and Nick Coler will create the soundtrack.

 

 

 

 

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The film first premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2019. It starred Florence as WWE star Paige in a story based on real events. Vince Vaughn played her trainer, while Johnson appeared as himself and also served as a producer.

Like the film, the musical will follow Saraya Knight, also known as Paige, described in its synopsis as “a goth outsider raised in a chaotic but loving British wrestling dynasty.”

 

 

 

 

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The story follows her journey from Norwich to the bright world of WWE in America, where she must discover who she truly is without her family by her side.

According to Variety, Merchant said he always saw the film as a musical, with a young woman fighting for her big break among bold characters and high emotion. He added that the team has captured the humour, grit and heart of the story in a way that stays true to the film while feeling fresh for the stage.

 

 

 

 

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Variety also quoted Johnson saying the story is a natural fit for the theatre because of its strong emotions and the live energy of wrestling, which creates a special bond with audiences. He also praised Merchant’s work and shared his appreciation for the adaptation.

 

 

 

 

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Fighting With My Family will be the first musical developed by newly launched production company Tilted Musicals, led by Cooper and UK producer-director Sam Hodges. Closed workshops are due to begin this year, followed by a public presentation in 2027.