Joe Anoa’i, also known as WWE champion Roman Reigns, joins the cast of ‘Hobbs & Shaw.’ Also, this reunites Anoa’i and Johnson, both college football stars before becoming pro wrestlers. Anoa’i has signed with Artists First for representation to make his movie acting debut.
Anoa’i is playing Hobbs’ brother, as Johnson officially stated on his Instagram:
“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.”
Moreover, the spinoff focuses on main franchise characters U.S. Diplomatic Security Agent Luke Hobbs (Johnson) and Deckard Shaw (Statham), who form an unlikely alliance. Further, David Leitch directs the script from franchise producer Chris Morgan.
Universal has set the release for August 2.