Paul Heyman: The Character Roman Reigns Is Inspired By Marlon Brando In ‘Apocalypse Now’

Paul Heyman breaks down the character of Roman Reigns. 

Roman Reigns has been the Tribal Chief since he appointed Paul Heyman as his Wiseman in August 2020. For nearly four years, Reigns has sat at the head of the table and been acknowledged by everyone who has stepped in his path. 

Speaking at the BSM Summit, Paul Heyman provided more insight into Roman’s character and where it stems from. 

“The character of Roman Reigns as the Tribal Chief is inspired by Marlon Brando in ‘Apocalypse Now.’ When we first started talking about the presentation of the Tribal Chief, I had Roman Reigns watch ‘Apocalypse Now’ multiple times,” said Heyman. “To me, that was the heart and soul of the character of the Tribal Chief. A warrior so great that he conquered his own island. We call it the Island of Relevancy. Someone who now, all the natives, which is the WWE Universe, all the fans and performers on the roster, look to for guidance because he’s the top star. In ‘Apocolypse Now,’ Brando presented himself as a pseudo-God. We call it a Tribal Chief. Then, as everyone relies on Brando on this island for guidance, for wisdom, for substance, for food, for shelter, ‘You will lead us to the promised land to the Island of Relevancy.’ He feels the burden of the responsibility, of the obligation, of the accountability to be the leader of all these people. He resents them so much that when Martin Sheen kills him and opens up the book, Kurtz [Brando’s character] had written, ‘Drop the bomb, kill them all.’ He resented those that looked to him for guidance that he wanted to give them in the beginning and then that obligation became too much for him to bear. That’s where the villainry of Roman Reigns comes in because he says ‘Acknowledge me,’ and once you acknowledge him, he says, ‘Someone else I’m responsible for.'”

Reigns has been responsible for the entire Bloodline, which now includes The Rock, since becoming the Tribal Chief. 

Reigns will team with The Rock at night one of WrestleMania 40 to face Cody Rhodes & Seth Rollins. Reigns will defend his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Rhodes at night two. 

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