WWE Superstar Jade Cargill is set to make her feature film debut, starring opposite Jonathan Majors in the upcoming Harlem-set action thriller, “True Threat.” The news was first reported today by Deadline.
The film, from director Gerard McMurray (“The First Purge”), follows Special Forces operative Vernon Threat (Majors), who returns home seeking justice after his teenage son is murdered by the Apollo Kids gang. To get to the gang’s leader, Threat must infiltrate “The Carter,” a twenty-story project building controlled by the gang, and fight his way through a hierarchy of bosses.
Cargill will portray Meeka, a “central antagonist” and a key lieutenant within the Apollo Kids gang. According to the report, her character controls the building’s red light district and operates as a significant power broker. The role is described as requiring an “intense, physical, and highly stylized performance” that will build on Cargill’s impressive athleticism. Her addition is a major step for the project, which is slated to begin production this fall.
Director Gerard McMurray praised the casting in a statement to Deadline. “I am excited to have Jade join us on True Threat,” McMurray said. “She is a unique talent with a rare blend of athleticism, charisma, and control on camera. The role of Meeka requires presence and precision, and Jade brings both. I believe audiences will see a completely new side of her in this film.”
The producing team, which includes Charlamagne Tha God and Basil Iwanyk (“John Wick”), echoed this sentiment. “Our mission here is to champion new faces and new voices in action storytelling. Jade is exactly the type of dynamic talent we want to introduce to the global film audience,” they stated. “She is already a force in the sports and entertainment world, and we believe this is just the beginning for her on the big screen.”
“True Threat” will also prominently feature “52 Blocks,” a Black American martial arts style being brought to a major film for the first time, with action design by Larnell Stovall (“The Continental”).
This major film role comes as Cargill’s star continues to rise rapidly in WWE. Since signing with the company, she has been presented as a dominant force, culminating in a breakout performance at WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas earlier this year.
