10 Sports Acting Moments to Look Forward To

Professional athletes accepting acting gigs is hardly a new practice. 

Babe Ruth, arguably the most famous American athlete in history, was featured in multiple roles nearly a century ago. Jim Brown was still one of the best players in the National Football League when he traded in a playing career to become more of a full-time actor. National Basketball Association icon Michael Jordan taking a role in the 1990s resulted in a cult-classic film, one that should have a sequel sooner than later. 

Current athletes are no different. While not all of them may wish to have careers as Hollywood stars or sitcom actors, taking these types of roles helps athletes expand their brands and also exposes them to different audiences. 

Paige VanZant is one example. VanZant is an Ultimate Fighting Championship competitor who was not a household name at the start of 2016. Finding success on a certain television competition made VanZant popular among viewers who often ignore the UFC and mixed martial arts—so much so that VanZant will take part in a future film. 

VanZant is not the first UFC fighter to venture into acting. Former UFC champion Ronda Rousey has already been featured in a few movies, and Rousey is scheduled to be the lead in a future project. Perhaps both VanZant and Rousey will become interested in making permanent moves from fighting to acting. 

A group of hilarious World Wrestling Entertainment performers are set to extend a WWE Films franchise. World football legend Ronaldinho will be on the same movie set as VanZant. National Basketball Association superstar LeBron James will, at some point, play the part he was born to play. 

Will all of these sports personalities be stellar in front of the cameras and bright lights? Of course not, but that is some of the fun of it. Truth be told, fans will venture out to theaters to watch these athletes flop and fall on their faces. 

Just don't be surprised if some of them turn out to be decent performers.

Social Outcasts

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Heath Slater is an "outcast" who will have a future movie role

Depending on how you look at things, this could be either the best or worst of the bunch. 

It was roughly 10 years ago when John Cena first played The Marine. Cena, serving as the face of the WWE at the time, did not win an Academy Award for that performance. In fact, the movie holds a rating of 20 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.

Ouch.

Sequels for The Marine nevertheless continue to see the light of day. WWE.com announced in May that the fifth edition of the franchise was scheduled to begin production by the end of the month. That movie will feature former reality television personality and former WWE champion The Miz resuming the role of Jake Carter for a third time. 

No disrespect meant, but we aren't excited about The Marine 5: Battleground because of The Miz. We are pumped for it because of the stable referred to as The Social Outcasts.

The Social Outcasts are made up of the performers known as Bo Dallas, Heath Slater and Curtis Axel. Unlike groups filled with performers pushed to the tops of WWE cards, The Social Outcasts are, to put it simply, dorks. They act tough, they cut promos against other wrestlers and they never win.

And it's awesome. 

Neither Cena nor Miz played themselves in the Marine series. That makes sense, as both were portraying military heroes. While we are not quite sure how it would work, we want The Social Outcasts to play their WWE characters for the latest Marine movie. 

That alone would be reason enough for some WWE fans to go out of the way to see the film.

Jamie Vardy

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One could not script Jamie Vardy's life

It will be some time before a world sport produces a story better than that of little Leicester City. 

According to Odds Shark, Leicester began the 2015-16 Premier League campaign at 5000-1 odds to win the league title, meaning they were, per bookmakers, more likely to make a return back to the second division than they were to be the kings of England.

Seemingly unimpressed by such predictions, Leicester completed an incredible rise up to the top of the league table, where the Foxes remained through May and until they were crowned champions. 

The tale of Leicester striker Jamie Vardy is as impressive as the club's run to a title and to a Champions League berth.

Vardy made his way from a non-league player who spent time as a factory worker to the Leicester bench, and he then became the hottest goalscorer in the Premier League for a time during the fall of 2015. Vardy and his Leicester teammates hoisted the Premier League trophy in May, and he will feature for England during the upcoming European Championship. 

No wonder somebody wants to make a film about Vardy. 

The Leicester Mercury's Rob Tanner reported in April 2016 that British screenwriter and film producer Adrian Butchart is hoping to release a movie about Vardy within the next year. Per Tanner, Butchart is keen on featuring the people of Leicester in this film. 

That means Vardy should be front and center for a portion of the movie. 

Vardy will be busy with club and international duties over the next 12 months. He won't have the time to be a main star of the film about himself. That does not, however, mean that Vardy can't play himself for the finishing touches of the movie. 

As Jack de Menezes of the Independent explained, Vardy's famous lookalike may not be welcome to have a role in Butchart's movie. If Butchart can't have the doppelganger, he should only accept the real thing.

Paige VanZant

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Paige VanZant is a superstar in the making

VanZant may prove to be the breakout UFC star of 2016. The irony is that she may do so without winning a fight this year. 

The last time we saw VanZant in a UFC Octagon was this past December, when Rose Namajunas pummeled and submitted her. VanZant then stepped away from the fight game for a period of time to compete in Season 22 of Dancing With the Stars. 

That competition went better for her than the fight against Namajunas. VanZant became a hit among DWTS audiences, and she made it all the way to the final episode of the season. The fighter with a 6-2 professional record finished as runner-up. 

VanZant impressed more than just DWTS viewers. She also attracted attention from the creators of the movie Kickboxer: Retaliation. Dominic Patten of Deadline.com reported that a role was made specifically for VanZant after producers saw her perform on DWTS. 

It is easy to see why television and movie executive would gush over VanZant. The beautiful 22-year-old possesses what Damon Martin of FoxSports.com once described as a "girl next door" personality. VanZant is also a trained dancer and an accomplished fighter. 

DWTS opened up opportunities for VanZant that weren't there for her a year ago. One has to wonder what will come of her fighting career if her role in the new Kickboxer leads to future acting gigs.

Carmelo Anthony

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Carmelo Anthony is setting himself for life after basketball

The jokes about New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony having a role in a movie that is released in early June write themselves. That does not mean, however, that those jokes aren't funny. 

We turn it over to Matt Moore of CBS Sports, who offered the following in May 2015 after it was learned that Anthony will have a part in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2. Moore wrote, "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2 is due out next summer. Hey! So that means Anthony will be appearing before audiences after May for once!"

Hilarious. 

Anthony's involvement with the TMNT brand goes beyond the movie. Anthony, per David Moin of WWD.com, has also released a line of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles "apparel and accessories." One has to give Anthony some credit for already thinking about careers after basketball even though Anthony theoretically has multiple years of playing time left in the tank. 

Anthony will be playing himself in the upcoming TMNT movie. Does that mean his character will be overshadowed by a younger individual whom local fans first rejected? Will Anthony's movie persona be asked to waive a no-trade clause so that his current team can dump his massive salary? 

Some of you will have already seen the movie before you read this. We politely request: No spoilers.

Ronaldinho

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Ronaldinho should make for an entertaining kickboxer

Is VanZant having a role in Kickboxer: Retaliation not enough for you to spend money to see the movie? That's OK, but don't give up on the film just yet. 

Borys Kit of the Hollywood Reporter confirmed on June 1 that Ronaldinho will also have a part in Kickboxer: Retaliation. Ronaldinho remains one of the most popular players of his generation even if he is past his prime. While the speed and agility that Ronaldinho possessed during his best days may now only be a memory, he remains a maestro on the ball who can wow audiences with his footwork and grace. 

Ronaldinho also happens to have a one-of-a-kind personality. 

There is only one person who could be Ronaldinho on the pitch, on the big screen and in-person, and that is Ronaldinho. However, Ronaldinho will not be playing himself in the Kickboxer reboot. 

According to Kit, "Ronaldinho will play Ronaldo, an imprisoned expert martial arts kicker who shows Moussi how to refine his deadly kick."

Yes, that's right. Ronaldinho will be portraying an expert kickboxer who teaches others. 

We do not want to get too excited or overhype the matter. With that said, "Ronaldinho: Kickboxing expert" could be the greatest performance we've seen in a sports movie since the original Rocky. Imagine what could come later on down the road. 

Ronaldinho in Expendables 4? Ronaldinho cashing in on the publicity and signing for a Major League Soccer club?

Kobe Bryant

One does not have to look far to find hot takes as well as serious criticisms regarding the all-female Ghostbusters reboot. Adam Howard of MSNBC.com wrote about this last March, and the criticisms have not subsided over the past few months. 

Who can those people call? The Black Mamba, apparently. 

On June 2, The Players' Tribune released teases that made it appear Bryant will serve as a Ghostbuster. Pictures and also a video clip show Bryant wearing a uniform that includes a "Mamba" patch.

Bryant's official debut as a Ghostbuster aired during opening night of the 2016 NBA Finals featuring the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors. 

Is this merely a one-off and promotion for the upcoming movie? Maybe, but maybe not. Mike Cole of NESN.com referred to Bryant having an "apparent cameo" in the upcoming movie.

The movie is set to be released on July 15. 

Regardless of whatever happens with one commercial or a group of advertisements, the new Ghostbusters will be rejected by some. Nothing is going to change that. Here's hoping that the Bryant TV spots elicit some chuckles.

John Scott

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John Scott: Forever an NHL All-Star Game hero

The customer is always right. This is true in all forms of business, pro sports included. 

Casual National Hockey League fans may have been unfamiliar with John Scott in the fall of 2015. Hockey supporters around North America knew Scott's name by Christmas 2015, though, as the lifelong enforcer became the star of a fan campaign to make him a NHL All-Star. Scott won the vote, but the Arizona Coyotes subsequently traded him to the Montreal Canadiens. 

Neither that trade nor alleged requests from the NHL not to play in the game that Scott described in a piece for The Players' Tribune persuaded Scott to relinquish what was rightfully his. Scott not only played in the 2016 All-Star Game. He performed well enough to win MVP honors. 

Scott, per Arpon Basu of NHL.com, told reporters after his final game with the Canadiens this past April that he may retire at some point during the upcoming offseason. Don't think, however, that Scott's retirement will be the end of his story. 

ESPN Staff Writer Joe McDonald wrote in February that sportswriter Mitch Albom will pen the script for a movie about Scott's career. Albom, per McDonald, explained that we may have to wait some time before we see the movie in theaters:

"

It didn't take long for the movie idea to become reality. There is an agreement in place, but the project won't happen overnight. In fact, it could take a couple of years before it hits the screen.

"It's a long way from that," said Albom, who said the project still needs studio backing, financing, a director and actors before the next step is put into motion. "I don't want to mislead anybody that you go from this to start filming next week. It's a long way from that."

"

Some advice for Albom and company: Scott must have a role in this movie. It's not negotiable. Just ask the NHL fans who voted Scott into the 2016 All-Star Game about that. 

Besides, Scott will have time to work on his acting if he has, in fact, played his final NHL game.

Ronaldo

Not every instance of an athlete "acting" involves that celebrity having a part in a film or television show. 

Cristiano Ronaldo wants to be an actor after he walks away from his playing career. Per an interview that the Real Madrid star and recent Champions League winner gave to AS.com (translated by Dermot Corrigan of ESPNFC.us) this past February, Ronaldo is already thinking about life after football.

"Why not?" Ronaldo said. "It is not my objective at the moment, but I have had some invitations. It's difficult as I have so many training sessions, games and competitions. But I would not close the door, it is something I like."

Ronaldo continued: "I am sure that sooner or later I will be in a cast for a film, no doubt. But to play a small role to start, to pick up experience. Then to shine more in the future."

Ronaldo was not kidding about playing small roles at this portion of his life. Gail Mitchell of Billboard.com explained in May that Ronaldo would be one of several celebrities featured in an upcoming music video for the RedOne song "Don't You Need Somebody." Ronaldo and actress Jennifer Lopez were showcased lip-syncing in a teaser for the video that can be found within Mitchell's piece. 

Looking for a reason to get excited about Ronaldo pretending to sing for a music video? Check out the commercial for Israeli telecommunication company Hot found in this ESPNFC.us story posted by Chris Wright. 

The words "stick to your day job" may come to mind.

Ronda Rousey

Mark Lennihan/Associated Press

Is Ronda Rousey on the verge of becoming a full-time actress?

Rousey entered November 2015 as the undefeated UFC Bantamweight Champion, a title she lost when Holly Holm knocked her out at UFC 193. The Rowdy one had, before that loss, already agreed to play the lead role in a Road House remake, but Rousey told Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show in February of this year that filming for that movie had been pushed back to late in the spring. 

That's not all. Damon Martin of FoxSports.com explained last February that Rousey will have a part in an upcoming movie titled Mile 22. Rousey has also teamed up with Tina Fey for a comedy called Do Nothing Bitches. That title comes from a catchphrase that Rousey coined during the lead-up to her title defense against Bethe Correia, a bout Rousey won in August 2015. 

Rousey is a proven veteran of the big screen, one with multiple movie roles on her resume, per her IMDB page. She is personable and likable in interviews. Rousey has been featured on magazine covers and in a swimsuit edition, and she has that well-known glare that could terrify just about anybody. 

Rousey was already presented with opportunities outside of the cage before her loss to Holm. Along with movie roles, it was teased at WrestleMania 31 that Rousey could be involved in a match alongside The Rock.

Add in that Rousey has nothing left to prove in the UFC, and one has to wonder: Will Rousey be more of an actress than a fighter by the end of 2017?

LeBron James

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LeBron James may be asked to save more than Cleveland in his next movie role

Basketball fans of a certain age waited nearly 20 years to see this sequel. We can all wait a couple of more years to see it hit movie theaters. 

Rebecca Ford of the Hollywood Reporter reported in May 2016 that a script for Space Jam 2 was in the works. Ford also wrote that Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James will star in the sequel. It is believed that James will play a role similar to the one Michael Jordan played in the original Space Jam. 

James is no stranger to the big screen. The multitime NBA Most Valuable Player had a role in the movie Trainwreck that was released in 2015. Say whatever you will about that movie as a whole. James appeared comfortable and not at all out of place. Ian Crouch of the New Yorker said it was "the greatest movie performance by an active professional basketball player." 

While no script for Space Jam 2 has been leaked yet, one has to assume that other NBA stars will join James for the sequel. Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, James Harden and Anthony are a few who come to mind. Then again, James may want to take on an updated version of the "Monstars" alongside current Cleveland teammates Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love if the Cavs defeat the Golden State Warriors and win the 2016 NBA Finals. 

The original Space Jam featured the greatest player in NBA history. It was funny and campy, and it had a tremendous soundtrack. James has his work cut out for him in taking on this project. 

We can't wait to see it.