Starring Owen Miller and Katana Malone alongside Wight, the film is slated for release on July 15, 2022 from Gravitas Ventures

Gravitas Ventures, an Anthem Sports & Entertainment, Inc. company, has acquired North American rights to J.R. Poli's drama MARCUS, it was announced today. Based on Poli's award-winning short film of the same name, MARCUS stars Owen Miller, Katana Malone, Todd Bruno, Jennifer Lynn Sharp, and seven-time world wrestling champion Paul Wight.

Written and directed by J.R. Poli, the film was produced by Poli, Jose Luis Martinez, and Owen Miller. MARCUS will be available in theaters and to rent and own on North American digital HD internet, cable, and satellite platforms through Gravitas Ventures on July 15, 2022.

Marcus has a checkered past and an unstable present. Unexpected news brings a new opportunity. He leaves his life behind and sets off to find purpose and forgiveness. But Marcus will have to face the consequences of his past and overcome the greatest obstacle of all: Himself.

"We are ecstatic to be teaming up with Gravitas Ventures, a distributor that has been around for so long with such a large library of films. Their enthusiasm and eagerness to help push the film's important message gives us confidence that it will impact the right audience," said J.R. Poli.

"We at Gravitas are happy to present the redemptive story of Marcus. Owen Miller, Katana Malone, and Paul Wight deliver their characters' voices with a depth and authenticity we believe will resonate with audiences in theaters and on VOD this summer," said Bill Guentzler, Gravitas Ventures Senior Director of Acquisitions.

PAUL WIGHT PROVIDES DETAILS BEHIND UPCOMING DRAMATIC ROLE IN MARCUS (FROM WRESTLING INC . COM)

Paul Wight, formerly known as The Big Show while in WWE, will star in an upcoming movie "Marcus," written and directed by J.R. Poli. In an exclusive interview with Wrestling Inc., the former six-time World Champion discussed the film and his role, which is somewhat different than the more comedic parts he's played in previous movies.

"Originally, being part of this project was really just to help produce it and get this project going," Wight said. "Then there was an opportunity for a role in the picture, and I read the script and I was like, 'Yeah, I'd like to try Gus.' Because it is a very serious role, but Gus is a very important component to 'Marcus,' because Gus is actually one of the interactions that Marcus has with someone that's really trying to understand Marcus in his own way and trying to be supportive, but really doesn't understand how to know Marcus. Yes, it's a security guard role, but at the same time there's a lot more depth to the character and to the plot line of the story."

"In acting, I want to try to push myself and push my boundaries and try to find things that are not what you would typically see me doing," Wight continued. "Sometimes it's hard to find those roles."

Professional wrestling has seen multiple wrestlers transition from wrestling to Hollywood, with the most famous examples being The Rock, John Cena, and Batista. Wight is a somewhat understated name in that company - he's been in quite a few movies prior to this one, though typically in less central roles, from "The Waterboy" to "Fighting with my Family."

"Marcus" also stars Owen Miller, Katana Malone, and Toddy Bruno.


MARCUS is now available in theaters, VOD and digital