WWE star Drew McIntyre is set to star in a micro-drama series called 'Agent of Shadows,' a move that highlights the wrestling promotion's expansion into short-form digital content. The series, which premieres on the streaming platform ReelShort on October 23, features McIntyre as a dangerous secret agent who goes undercover to protect a young girl from a billionaire arms dealer.
McIntyre, who has established a significant presence in film with roles in the 2024 movie 'The Killer's Game,' is also slated to appear in 'The Last Druid' and the 'Highlander' reboot, both of which star Russell Crowe. The latter project also includes WWE Hall of Famer Dave Bautista. His involvement in 'Agent of Shadows' marks a specific step into the vertical-short video market, a sector McIntyre described as a billion-dollar industry.
In an interview with OutKick Dropkick, McIntyre explained that he discovered ReelShort while traveling for wrestling and filming engagements. He cited the platform's accessibility during flights as the initial draw, noting that the script offered a mix of action, comedy, and heart that appealed to his desire to show acting range. "I had a look at it, it was a lot of fun... and I went, heck yeah, I wanna be part of this thing," McIntyre said.
Actor Chase Mattson, who also stars in the series, was drawn to the project by his martial arts background and a character named Adam who resonated with his own personality. Mattson noted that the script balanced action, comedy, and romance differently from his previous projects. He described his first on-set encounter with McIntyre as a moment of surprise regarding the wrestler's physical size and demeanor. "I didn't know anything about him other than that: he was a big guy," Mattson said. "But he came and I was like, 'OK, he's probably going to be really mean.' But he's the nicest guy I've ever met."
The production features a substantial roster of WWE talent beyond the lead. A trailer released last week showcased appearances by Royce Keys, Joe Hendry, Jacob Fatu, Nikkita Lyons, Hank Walker, and Tank Ledger. Former stars Michael Hayes and Booker T also appear in the show.
McIntyre views this project as evidence that WWE operates across multiple entertainment sectors rather than being limited to sports alone. He pointed to the company's global reach, stating it is present in 180 countries, 28 different languages, and 800 million homes. McIntyre noted that WWE has accumulated billions of social media followers and maintains deals with platforms such as ESPN and Netflix. He credited CEO Nick Khan with securing billion-dollar deals that facilitate this expansion.
According to McIntyre, WWE is using its platform to provide superstars with opportunities to showcase acting range in new formats. He described the involvement in vertical-short content as a strategic move to highlight actors like Mattson, whom he identified as representing the future of the industry regardless of external perceptions.