CM Punk, famously known as “The Best in the World” and current World Heavyweight Champion in WWE, continues to build his career by stepping into villainous characters for Hollywood films. While often viewed as one of WWE’s top heroic ‘babyfaces,’ Punk’s passion for playing the antagonist comes to life on the big screen, where he enjoys exploring the darker side of storytelling.
In pro wrestling, CM Punk’s reputation is that of a noble competitor, but his filmography is taking a different turn. Notably, Punk brought the character of ‘Zebra Zebrowski’ to life in the upcoming animated sequel Zootopia 2. In his next movie, Night Patrol, set for release on January 16th, 2026, Punk will portray a vampire police officer, marking yet another villainous role in his acting journey.
Why CM Punk Finds Villainy Appealing
During a recent interview with Josh Wilding, Punk was candid about what draws him to darker roles in major action and horror films. He shared his personal perspective on why playing the bad guy on screen feels more exciting and rewarding than being the conventional hero.
There’s something about villains that I think are—you know, villains are more often times, for lack of a better word, sexier than the good guys. You know, like the villains get to do fun stuff. The villains got the better weapons, the better outfits. You know, Cobra’s cooler than G.I. Joe. [H/t: Ringside News]
—CM Punk, Interview with Josh Wilding
Punk’s enthusiasm for such roles has not gone unnoticed. Despite his real-life reputation for having “a heart of gold,” the wrestling superstar relishes the opportunity to showcase characters who operate outside the rules, embracing the flair and unpredictability that comes with villainy.
Typecast as Law Enforcers and Looking Ahead
While Punk enjoys the freedom that villain roles provide him as an actor, he has noted a humorous pattern in his casting choices. In separate interviews, he has pointed out that both his Zootopia 2 and Night Patrol characters work as police officers, suggesting a playful typecasting of him as a law enforcer, whether animated or in live-action.
These diverse roles allow Punk to channel energy into new creative avenues outside the wrestling ring. His involvement in major projects like Zootopia 2 and Night Patrol broadens his reputation and suggests a growing demand for his unique style and presence in Hollywood narratives.
The Significance of Punk’s Villainous Turn
CM Punk’s shift toward antagonist roles marks both a departure from and extension of his wrestling persona. As he continues to perform as a leading babyface in WWE, his Hollywood foray lets him dig into the motivations and complexities behind villainous characters, offering fans and audiences a fresh perspective on his talents. His willingness to embrace the energy and creativity found in playing the villain may signal more daring performances in upcoming films and a strong crossover between sports entertainment and the broader entertainment industry.
