Longtime SNL cast member Kenan Thompson and Johnny Ryan Jr. are bringing the heat with a feature biopic on the legendary wrestler “Macho Man” Randy Savage, according to Deadline. Thompson’s production company, Artists for Artists, is backing the project, appropriately titled Macho.
Both Thompson and Ryan Jr. are die-hard fans of “Macho Man” Randy Savage. Thompson even worked with the wrestling icon back in 1999 for a Nickelodeon promo. Word is, the project is based on a script co-written by Savage’s brother, Lanny Poffo (RIP), and Eric Shapiro.
Thompson and Ryan Jr. are producing alongside Paul Coy Allen of Midas Entertainment Group, with Jonathon Davino (Immaculate), Cory Litwin, Boris Shvarts, and Monica Weber serving as executive producers. Range Select will be handling the sales end of things.
Randy Mario Poffo, famously known as “Macho Man” Randy Savage, was a wrestling icon of the ’80s and ’90s. With his signature raspy voice, flamboyant outfits, and explosive moves, Savage became a household name in WWE (then WWF) and later WCW.
Savage snagged multiple world championships across both organizations and headlined some of the most iconic matches in wrestling history, including his epic battle with Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat at WrestleMania III, often hailed as one of the greatest matches ever. Beyond the ring, Savage’s charismatic promos and unforgettable catchphrases, especially his iconic “Oooh yeah!”, made him a pop-culture phenomenon. He popped up in commercials, TV shows, and even movies, including a memorable role as “Bonesaw” in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man (2002).
Savage’s personal life was equally captivating. His on-screen and real-life romance with Miss Elizabeth became one of wrestling’s most beloved love stories, blurring the lines between performance and reality in a way that captivated fans. After his wrestling days, Savage ventured into acting and music, even dropping a rap album in 2003. Though his later years were more low-key, his legacy remained untouchable until his sudden passing in 2011 at the age of 58.
Today, Randy Savage is remembered as more than just a wrestler. He was an entertainer who blurred the lines between sports, theater, and pure spectacle – a figure practically made for a biopic.
Jamie Broadnax is the creator of the online publication and multimedia space for Black women called BlkCosmo Blerds. Jamie has appeared on MSNBC’s The Melissa Harris-Perry Show and The Grio’s Top 100. Her Twitter personality has been recognized by Shonda Rhimes as one of her favorites to follow. She is a member of the Critics Choice Association and executive producer of the BlkCosmo Blerds Podcast.
