After First Taste of $140 Million Success, John Cena Almost Walked in Dwayne Johnson’s Footsteps by Starring in Movie Adaptation of Iconic 90s Video Game

Much like his WWE career, wrestler-turned-actor John Cena had to wait a while in Hollywood before tasting success. His first credited role in a film was as ‘John Triton’ in The Marine, which was released in 2006. Just a year prior, fellow WWE legend Dwayne Johnson had starred in Doom as Sgt. Asher “Sarge” Mahonin. The film was based on the eponymous video game. Years later, Cena almost walked the same path but fell short.

A nine-year-wait and initial success: John Cena’s tryst with Hollywood

The 16-time world champion had to wait for his time in the WWE before Vince McMahon trusted him as a credible face to run the company with. Cena later delivered on his promise and went on to become a record-tying champion. His Hollywood career also bears an uncanny resemblance to it. It wasn’t before 2015 that moviegoers and critics started taking notice of John Cena the actor.

His breakthrough performance came as Steven in Trainwreck. Even though the 46-year-old wasn’t the main character, he received plaudits for his role as the film went on to rake in $140 million at the box office. Since then, Cena has landed meaty roles in several big movies. He was also in talks to play a character from a 90s video game.

According to reports in 2018, John Cena was set to play the titular character in the movie adaptation of Duke Nukem. The video game was a raging hit with users in the 90s and featured a politically-incorrect, aggressive man. John Cena would have been a great choice, given that his physique fits the role perfectly. However, the movie was never made.

Though a report from Dexerto in April 2023 revealed that Cobra Kai creators, Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg have been hired to develop the film. The film rights have been acquired by Legendary Entertainment.

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This means, Cena could still be possibly cast in the film! Meanwhile, Cena is awaiting the release of a film comprising pop culture icons.

Cena takes the baton from Sheamus to voice iconic villain

Contrary to his good-boy image in the WWE, John Cena’s upcoming release will see him play an iconic villain. As Rocksteady, the 46-year-old will play the mutant rhinoceros in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. Cena will lend his voice in the animated film, which is scheduled to release on August 2 in the US. This will be Cena’s second negative character in Hollywood.

WWE superstar Sheamus had played the same character in a film adaptation featuring the iconic Ninja Turtles in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows. The film was released in 2016.

This, however, isn’t the first time Cena has lent his voice to an animated character. Known for his mic skills, the wrestler-turned-actor voiced the titular character in Ferdinand. He also voiced Yoshi in Dolittle.

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Have you watched any of the aforementioned movies? Also tell us what you think about John Cena’s missed opportunity, in the comments.