CM Punk is stepping into an unexpected character in the highly anticipated CM Punk Night Patrol movie, set for a theatrical release on January 16, with early screenings available from January 7. The former WWE star portrays a member of the LAPD’s night patrol, but with a dark twist—these officers are actually vampires stalking residents in a local housing project.
CM Punk Takes on a Complex Character in Night Patrol
Directed by Ryan Prows, Night Patrol features CM Punk in a role unlike any he’s embraced before, diverging from his well-known straight-edge persona. Punk’s character is a police officer who not only defies the moral code but also operates outside the boundaries fans would typically associate with him. In a behind-the-scenes moment, Punk posted a glimpse into his preparation alongside co-star Justin Long and shared,
“A little Night Patrol BTS and a link to theaters that are having advance screenings,”
CM Punk, Actor
Director Ryan Prows, who is also a wrestling enthusiast, praised Punk’s dedication and readiness to take on a role so contrasting to his real-life principles. Bill Pritchard of WrestleZone sat down with Prows to discuss what it was like working with the wrestling superstar in a horror-action setting.
Director Praises Punk’s Commitment to the Role
Prows shared insights into Punk’s fearless approach to his character, noting there was an initial effort to respect Punk’s personal choices, but ultimately, the actor was on board for the challenge. Prows said,
“We were trying to be respectful, obviously. We got to figure out, ‘Are you cool with this’ or whatever. [But] he was like, ‘I’m an actor, man. I’m ready to do it.’ So yeah, he did a great job with all that. And, kudos to him for [having] a fearlessness of he’s playing just an awful, awful person. And he’s like doing it without a wink.
Ryan Prows, Director
“[He was] actually just sort of saying awful things and doing awful things and is like fully committed to it. So that was definitely—you obviously assume or hope that that’s going to be the case, but I was really impressed with just how ready he was once he committed to it and how much he gave for it. So it was incredible to work with him.”
Ryan Prows, Director
Anticipation Builds Ahead of Night Patrol’s Release
With anticipation for Night Patrol building, audiences are eager to see CM Punk transform into a menacing presence on-screen, abandoning his traditional image for a part that demands both intensity and versatility. The film’s advance screenings offer fans a chance to witness his performance early and experience the fresh take on vampire lore set within an urban law enforcement context.
As the film’s premiere approaches, the collaboration between CM Punk, director Ryan Prows, and co-stars like Justin Long promises not only gripping entertainment but also a new chapter in Punk’s acting career—one that showcases his capability to tackle complex roles with fearless dedication.
