John Cena Says He Was “Run Out of the Movie Business” in 2009 for “Doing Bad Movies”
John Cena may be one of Hollywood’s biggest franchise players now, but he’s the first to admit his early acting career was a misfire.
In a candid new interview with People, the wrestler-turned-actor revealed that he only got into movies to boost WWE viewership, and quickly learned that wasn’t enough to draw an audience.
“I was run out of the movie business in 2009 for doing bad movies where I wasn’t present. I thought that just because I wore a golden leather belt on Monday and Friday, they’d come see whatever I’m doing. It’s not true.”
Cena made his big-screen debut in 2006 with the action flick The Marine, followed by 12 Rounds in 2009 and Legendary in 2010. Critics weren’t impressed, and his momentum fizzled.
Things turned around in 2015 when Cena broke into comedy with Trainwreck alongside Amy Schumer. That performance led to major roles in blockbuster franchises like Bumblebee, F9, and The Suicide Squad.
Most recently, he popped up in Superman for a cameo as Christopher Smith, aka Peacemaker, the DC antihero who has become one of his most beloved roles. The character will return in Peacemaker Season 2, which Cena says has been a game-changer.
“It’s a great show that’s more than just action. It’s a love story. It’s a workplace comedy. We’re the long shots, the lovable losers. It has changed my life.”
Season 2 will officially be canon in James Gunn’s new DCU, even though the first season aired before the reboot began. Gunn explained:
“There are certain things from the old universe that we refer to in Peacemaker season 2, but until then, they’re not canon. Almost everything from season 1 is canon, but season 2 will explain everything that is or is not canon.”
Peacemaker Season 2 premieres on HBO Max August 21.