Unlike other wrestlers cast in WWE Studios movies, Triple H had prior big screen experience from his supporting role in Blade: Trinity. WWE Studios also stepped up on The Chaperone by hiring experienced director Stephen Herek, who directed family hits like Don't Tell Mom The Babysitter's Dead, The Mighty Ducks, and the live action version of 101 Dalmatians. In addition, Triple Hs on-screen daughter was played by Ariel Winter, the then-twelve year-old star of the popular TV sitcom Modern Family, so it appeared The Chaperone had a lot going for it. Despite having a Home Alone meets Speed story concept perfect for a family comedy, The Chaperone was rated PG-13 because of violence. That gave the movie a rating higher than the age of its young target audience, making selling it to parents an uphill battle. The movie only made $14,400 in its limited U.S. theatrical release, and DVD sales (and the small box office resulting from the odd decision to release The Chaperone theatrically in a few Middle Eastern countries) could not make the film profitable, resulting in a $3.8 million loss on the film. The only other noteworthy thing about The Chaperone is that its supporting cast includes Yeardley Smith, the voice of Lisa Simpson. Other than that, its obvious why Triple H has stuck to wrestling ever since with one exception, as youll see next.
Chris McKittrick is a published author of fiction and non-fiction and has spoken about film and comic books at conferences across the United States. In addition to his work at WhatCulture!, he is a regular contributor to CreativeScreenwriting.com, MovieBuzzers.com, and DailyActor.com, a website focused on acting in all media. For more information, visit his website at http://www.chrismckit.com.
