John Cena is living the life as the new superhero addition to the DCEU, Peacemaker – well, probably more of an anti-hero to be fair – and is proud to lead his own series after his debut in The Suicide Squad. Director James Gunn found the perfect role for him by taking a satirical look at the classic Charleton character. As his series has just premiered, Cena has been busy with interviews. During his recording with the Happy, Sad, Confused podcast, he revealed that he’s been chasing superhero roles for some time, but was met with rejections left and right. He was passed on by projects like Deadpool 2‘s Cable, and even the title role for Shazam!.
I can’t tell you how many superhero roles I’ve been rejected for. Shazam is certainly one. There was a brief try at the Deadpool universe, rejection. Shazam! was Dikembe Mutumbo. There was a few in the Marvel universe, rejected.
John Cena
It’s certainly a competitive market out there, as many actors are trying to nab that role for their chance to either bring a personal favorite hero to life or get their foot in the door. Cena is a household name for many and has starred in quite a few films and projects. So, even if it took some time, the wait has paid off for him to not only join a superhero project but also to find a role he can fully embrace. The fact he still loves wearing the costume to every event is a testament of his commitment.
