Key Takeaways:
– Wrestling superstar, John Cena struggled initially in Hollywood, similar to wrestling giants like Hulk Hogan and Triple H
– Career took off after moving away from action-heavy roles and focusing on supporting roles
– 2015’s Trainwreck was his first major success
– The role in James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad led to starring in his show, Peacemaker
– Cena’s agency was against him playing Merman in Barbie, but Cena believed it would benefit his career
Wrestling greats making the transition to Hollywood acting is not a novel phenomenon. However, maintaining the same level of success in the film industry, like what they had in the wrestling arena, is something only a few have been able to accomplish. John Cena is one of those few, but his journey to Hollywood success was not immediate.
Cena’s Initial Struggles in Hollywood
John Cena’s early acting venture mirrored several other wrestling giants such as Hulk Hogan and Triple H, with him initially being cast in action-heavy roles. Unfortunately, his early films did little to establish him as a successful Hollywood actor. His first feature, The Marine (2006), underwhelmed at the box office, earning just $22M on a $15M budget. The trend of failed projects carried into his future films like 12 Rounds (2009) and Legendary (2010), which both experienced critical and commercial defeat.
Changing Gears: From Leading to Supporting Roles
As it seemed like Cena’s Hollywood career was heading toward oblivion, a shift towards non-typecast roles presented a new beacon of hope. Cena’s first major success arrived with the 2015 film Trainwreck, where he played a supporting role rather than the leading man. Rather than fall back into previous patterns, Cena continued to embrace this newfound trajectory, playing supporting characters in Daddy’s Home 2 and Ferdinand.
A New Chapter: The Success of The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker
John Cena’s revised career path began to turn heads, culminating in being cast in high profile projects like James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad. The critical success of this film opened the path for Cena’s leading role in the spin-off series, Peacemaker, which further enhanced his career. The result was a revived career that eventually saw Cena back in the lead role, now more prepared and undoubtedly more successful.
Taking Up Unconventional Roles
Throughout his career transition, Cena maintained an open mind towards diverse roles, sometimes against the views of his agency. An interesting anecdote of this was his agency’s disapproval of him acting as Merman in Barbie. However, Cena saw it as an opportunity to broaden his acting range and accepted Margot Robbie’s offer for the part.
Looking Ahead: Future Endeavors
John Cena continues to flex his acting in various supporting roles, with his next project being Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem in 2023. Additionally, he’s set to star again as the lead in Peacemaker Season 2. His story serves as an inspiration for many aspiring actors, proving that adapting to new roles and maintaining a positive perspective can make all the difference in Hollywood success.
In conclusion, John Cena managed to turn around his initial lackluster Hollywood journey by embracing change and diversity in his roles. His perseverance and adaptability have indeed written a success story worth emulation.
