After cementing himself as one of the greatest WWE superstars of all time, John Cena has turned his hand to acting and is a rising star in the world of Hollywood, but not all of his ventures away from the squared circle have been a success.
Like many wrestlers who have desires to make it onto the big screen, Cena got his acting break in a WWE Studios (formerly WWE Films) production.
Back in 2006, the now 17-time WWE Champion was given a starring role in the first instalment of ‘The Marine’, which had a $15 million budget and grossed $22.2 million at the box office.
However, in an interview with People, Cena has now admitted his role in the WWE-produced movie actually halted his acting career for some time.
John Cena admits The Marine lost him acting opportunities
Reflecting on his time filming The Marine, he is said to have described it as ‘overwhelming and then immediately disappointing’.
He continued by suggesting the world of acting was essentially closed off to him as a result of the movie.
Cena added: “Which is so sad to say, but I have to lead with honesty.
“That really led me to pretty much lose those [acting] opportunities. I pretty much was run out of town for the movie business in 2009, 2010. It was my own fault.”
However, unlike some other wrestlers whose time in the movie business often ends after one questionable appearance in a budget film, Cena persisted with acting and was given a second chance.
He later stated: “Thank goodness that some people along the way, in 2012, in 2015, saw some potential in me and took another gamble.”
John Cena’s upcoming film and TV roles
In the years since, Cena has followed in the footsteps of The Rock with two appearances in The Fast and the Furious franchise.
He also took up the role of Peacemaker, filming two series of the hit show under James Gunn.
Now officially retired from WWE, the 49-year-old is expected to put more focus into acting and is already working on a number of projects.
Cena has wrapped filming on Little Brother, working alongside notable names such as Eric Andre, Michelle Monaghan, and Sherry Cola on the production that will hit cinemas on June 26, 2026.
Coyote vs. Acme, which is set for release in August 2026, will see the former WWE champion play Buddy Crane.
Cena has also been cast in Matchbox: The Movie, which is set to premiere on Apple TV in October of this year.
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