In a new book-to-film initiative pairing professional wrestlers with bestselling authors, actress and former WWE star CJ Perry (fka Lana) is set to co-author a fiction novel titled Bulletproof Angel. The news was first reported by Deadline.
The high-octane international spy thriller will be a collaboration between Perry and international bestselling author and screenwriter Blake Northcott. The project is the first to be announced from a new slate developed by Paradigm’s The Sports Group and Publishing divisions.
A New Book-to-Film Initiative
The initiative focuses on developing and packaging books as launchpads for future film, television, and franchise content, built around the creative input of the athletes themselves. According to Ian Kleinert, a publishing agent at Paradigm, the goal is to leverage the unique appeal of wrestling talent.
“WWE talent are natural storytellers with massive global platforms, which makes them incredibly appealing to top-tier authors and publishers,” Kleinert said. “This collaboration is about building IP with real cross-platform potential, and Bulletproof Angel is a perfect example of what happens when you combine worlds.”
What is “Bulletproof Angel” About?
The novel is described as a high-octane international spy thriller. The story centers on a brilliant young CIA agent who is forced to team up with her estranged mother, a retired operative with a haunted past. The two must work together behind enemy lines to stop an advanced, AI-powered weapon system capable of triggering a global catastrophe.
Both Perry and Northcott expressed their excitement about the project. “I’ve always been drawn to stories of espionage, betrayal, and resilience, and building a world around two powerful female operatives was a dream,” Perry shared. “Blake is an incredible partner, and Bulletproof Angel is just the beginning.” Northcott added, “CJ has a sharp creative instinct and a cinematic sense of story. She’s a true storyteller. This book is a fast-paced, emotional ride with explosive action and a core that’s all heart.”
Building IP with WWE Talent
The long-term vision for the initiative, according to Kleinert, is to “build a content library under each client’s creative umbrella.” The press release also revealed that additional fiction titles are currently in development as part of the program, set to be co-authored with Paradigm clients and current WWE Superstars Damian Priest and Sheamus.
CJ Perry, who recently re-signed with WWE under a Legends deal, also stars in the new action-comedy film Guns Up, which premiered on July 18. She appears in the film alongside her husband, former WWE star Miro (fka Rusev), and actor Kevin James. The Bulletproof Angel project marks her first foray into the world of fiction writing. Blake Northcott is the international bestselling author of Arena Mode and The North Valley Grimoire and has previously written for DC Comics and Dynamite Comics.
