Award-winning actress Patricia Clarkson (Vicky Cristina Barcelona), WWE Superstar John Cena (12 Rounds), Devon Graye (“Dexter”), Madeleine Martin (“Californication”) and Danny Glover have been cast in WWE Studios’ film (tentatively titled), Brother’s Keeper, it was announced today by World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. Director Mel Damski (“Psych”) helms this family drama, which is scheduled to begin principal photography in and around New Orleans, LA on December 8, 2009.
Written by John Posey, Brother’s Keeper explores one teenage boy’s journey (Graye) to reunite his mother (Clarkson) with his older, estranged brother (Cena) ten years after the death of their beloved father, a state collegiate wrestling legend. Brother’s Keeper is produced by WWE Studios Vice President David Calloway. Executive producers are WWE Studios Executive Vice President Mike Pavone and WWE Studios Senior Vice President, Development & Production Steve Barnett.
Patricia Clarkson stars as Sharon Chetley, a mother grieving the loss of her husband while struggling with an estranged, older son and one-time high school wrestling star (Cena) and a brighter, socially isolated younger son (Graye), determined to re-connect with his older brother and to put what is left of his wounded family back together.
WWE Superstar® John Cena portrays estranged older brother, Mike Chetley, a one-time high school and collegiate wrestling champion, who suffers a downward spiral after his father’s accidental death.
Devon Graye plays Cal Chetley, an extremely bright, 16-year-old outsider whose decision to join the high school wrestling team as a 135-pound contender has unexpected consequences for his estranged family.
Madeleine Martin is Luli, a troubled young girl and outsider who is Cal’s closest friend.
Well-known for his work as an actor and humanitarian, award-winner Danny Glover portrays Harry “Red” Newman, a charming, albeit mysterious man who has a way of showing up in Cal’s life just when he needs him most.
Writer John Posey, who wrote the screenplay for Brother’s Keeper, portrays Stu Tennent, the sympathetic high school wrestling coach who remembers Mike and is curious about Cal.
