Actor Kathy Bates and John Cena have joined the cast of the upcoming political thriller film The Independent.

Written by Evan Parter and directed by Amy Rice, the film features Brian Cox and Jodie Turner-Smith in the lead roles.

The story is set in the final weeks of the most consequential presidential election in history and follows an idealistic young journalist (Turner-Smith) who teams up with her idol (Cox) to uncover a conspiracy that places the fate of the election, and the country, in their hands.

Bates is set to play the first female presidential candidate, while Cena will play the independent presidential candidate.

The Independent will be produced by Ryan Cunningham of Anonymous Content along with Sam Bisbee of Park Pictures, Thea Dunlap, Caddy Vanasirikul of The Exchange and Parter. Lance Acord, Jackie Kelma, O'Shea and Nat McCormick are serving as executive producers.