Dwayne Johnson, Joe Ballarini Get ‘Ripped’ for 20th Century Studios (Exclusive)

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20th Century Studios has seized the rights to “Ripped,” a short story by Joe Ballarini, with plans for a movie production in collaboration with Seven Bucks and 12:01 Films, marking an early acquisition of the property.

Dany Garcia from Seven Bucks Productions, along with Dwayne Johnson and Hiram Garcia, plus Scott Glassgold from 12:01 Productions, serve as the fitness-enthusiast producers for this project.

Although Johnson hasn’t been officially confirmed to star in “Ripped“, there appears to be a role that could allow him to showcase his impressive physicality. The story revolves around an anxious groom-to-be who joins a rigorous underground fitness center, run by a charismatic trainer who inspires fanatical devotion with the claim of delivering peak performance no matter the cost on his wedding day.

Ballarini plans to transform his short tale into an adaptation. Independently, the author has secured a contract with the fresh horror imprint of Simon & Schuster/Atria, known as 12:01 Books, to extend the short story into a full-length novel.

The film titled “Untitled Hawaii Crime Thriller” falls under Seven Bucks’ initial agreement with The Walt Disney Company. This deal, signed last year, enables collaboration across various Disney divisions. Leonardo DiCaprio, Emily Blunt, and Johnson are set to star in this upcoming project, with Martin Scorsese directing. Additionally, during the film’s development, Nick Bilton, its writer, secured a book deal. Interestingly, Johnson is also co-writing the book.

12:01 Films, led by Glassgold, is making a name for itself in the adaptation of short stories to films. This year alone, they’ve sold and set up three projects, one of which is “Ripped”. These projects are drawing top-tier talent, such as Brandon Sklenar in “After Shock” at Lionsgate, and Lili Reinhart in “Fake Wedding” at Amazon MGM Studios. Other notable 12:01 Films projects include “I Bought a Ranch”, also at Amazon with Drew Hancock serving as writer and director, and “The Dwelling” at Amazon, featuring Michael B. Jordan, who starred in the series “Sinners”.

As a passionate reader, I’m thrilled to share that following my successful adaption of the blockbuster book “A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting” into a Netflix movie, I’m now eagerly anticipating my next project – “The Bluff”, an action-packed film. This upcoming masterpiece will feature the captivating Priyanka Chopra Jonas and is under the esteemed production of the Russo Brothers. Amazon MGM has scheduled its release towards the end of this year, so mark your calendars for a thrilling ride!

Ballarini is repped by Verve and attorney Jeff Frankel.

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2025-05-07 22:24