WWE Studios Releasing New Animated Film, Paige, John Cena, The Undertaker, Vince McMahon and More Voicing Characters

The following press release has been issued:

Sony Pictures Animation and WWE Studios catch a wave together in ‘Surf’s Up 2: WaveMania’

LOS ANGELES – Sony Pictures Animation and WWE Studios announced today an animated sequel to “Surf’s Up,” the 2007 Academy Award-nominated action-comedy about surfing penguins. The companies are co-financing and producing the movie, which is expected to release in 2017, in time for the original film’s 10th anniversary. “Surf’s Up 2: WaveMania” will be distributed by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment with WWE Studios providing marketing support by leveraging its extensive multi-platform reach.

Cody Maverick, hungry for a new challenge, convinces an infamous big-wave-riding crew known as The Hang 5, voiced by WWE Superstars John Cena, The Undertaker, Triple H, WWE Diva Paige and Mr. McMahon, to let him join them on their journey to a mysterious surf spot known as The Trenches, where, legend has it, they’ll find the biggest waves in the world. Cody soon discovers that the life he left behind might be more heroic than what any death-defying wave has to offer. Genndy Tartakovsky’s protégé Henry Yu (story artist on “Sym-Bionic Titan” and both “Hotel Transylvania” feature films) makes his directorial debut with this project, which is produced by Michelle Wong (production manager on “Hotel Transylvania 2”) and features computer animation from Rainmaker Entertainment Inc. Abdul Williams (“Lottery Ticket”) is writing the screenplay.

“We are thrilled to be working with Sony Pictures Animation to bring Cody Maverick back to audiences for more adventures, paired with our WWE Superstars in what promises to be a fun animated film for the entire family,” said Michael Luisi, WWE Studios President.

“WWE has a proven track record with family audiences, and we couldn’t be more excited to partner with them and dive back into the fun world of our surfing penguins,” adds Kristine Belson, President, Sony Pictures Animation.

Get ready for @SonyPictures Animation and @WWEStudios to present #SurfsUp 2: #WaveMania! https://t.co/yQ6TSz2vqL pic.twitter.com/6AqtTbIcWQ

— WWE (@WWE) March 1, 2016

This is MY house…errr ocean. Check out Paige the penguin in Surf’s Up 2: Wavemania! pic.twitter.com/Z3z85mQCC1

— PAIGE (@RealPaigeWWE) March 1, 2016

This was a lot of fun…sometimes you just have to ride the wave! Get ready for Surf’s Up 2 : Wavemania! pic.twitter.com/wHxccq0F4t

— John Cena (@JohnCena) March 1, 2016

I’ve done a lot of stuff…but voice Hunter the penguin? That’s a first. Excited for Surf’s Up 2: Wavemania! pic.twitter.com/NS3DD8szL8

— Triple H (@TripleH) March 1, 2016

Nick was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and lived there until the age of 18, when he decided to pack his flack jacket and move to New York City.

Nick attended New York University and graduated in 2001 with a degree in Drama.

Nick first entered the internet wrestling community back in 2004 when he became the co-host of The Voice of Wrestling Radio Show. From there, Nick made the transition from radio personality to editor when he began working with WrestleZone in 2008.

Nick is a member of two Off-Broadway theatre companies, Another Urban Riff, and the Drama Desk Award winning Godlight Theatre Company. Nick has appeared in over a dozen Off-Broadway plays since he moved to New York City, and has shot several short and feature length films. In 2010, he completed principle photography on a film titled "How to Score Your Life," which also features TNA Knockout ODB.

Inspiration in his life has come from many people including his family, Woody Allen, Steven Spielberg, Jack Nicholson, The Beatles, and of course, Lassie.