John Cena is especially grateful for his cameo in Barbie.
In recent years, WWE legend John Cena has largely stepped away from the squared circle and has found great success under the bright lights of Hollywood. He was highly praised for his titular role in DC’s Peacemaker, and has also starred in films such as Vacation Friends, Bumblebee, and two installments of the Fast & Furious franchise.
Fans were delighted when it was announced that he would also have a minor role in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie in the summer of 2023. Though his appearance is brief, Cena made a splash as Mermaid Ken, donning a blond wig and shell necklace as he greeted Barbie from the water.
Speaking in a recent interview with Extra, Cena expressed his gratitude at being able to take part in the blockbuster hit.
“That one man, that’s a four leaf clover for me. I was really lucky. I’m very grateful for all the opportunities that come our way. But I was especially lucky for that.”
Continuing, Cena praised the success of the film and said that his role took little effort on his part.
“Didn’t have to do much. Just put on a fish tail and a blonde wig and let all the talented folks do the rest. It’s great to see, not only the film be so successful amongst the consumers out there, but certainly with the critics as well.” (h/t SEScoops)
John Cena Landed Barbie Role Due To Chance Run-In With Margot Robbie
Speaking in an interview with Chris Van Vliet ahead of the film’s release, titular star Margot Robbie explained how she ran into Cena in London. The two had previously starred together in The Suicide Squad, and Cena paid her bill as a surprise gift as he was in the middle of filming Fast X across the street. Robbie then revealed that the cameo came about as she asked her former costar for a favor:
“I was like, ‘That’s where we’re shooting Barbie’ and I was like, ‘Do you wanna come be a merman in Barbie?‘ He was like, ‘Uh, yeah’ and I was like, ‘Surely he’s not gonna agree to it just like that,’ and he did. He’s so awesome like that.” (h/t WrestlingInc)