John Cena, widely recognized as a dominant figure in the wrestling ring, has also carved out a successful acting career. In a recent interview, he looked back on his early days in Hollywood, specifically recalling the experience of filming his first movie nearly two decades ago.
John Cena on His First Film Experience
While discussing his life and career with PEOPLE, Cena celebrated the 20th anniversary of his debut film, 'The Marine.' He admitted that he did not take his film career seriously at the time, describing his first role as "overwhelming and then immediately disappointing."
"Which is so sad to say, but I have to lead with honesty," Cena stated. "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."
'The Marine' received mixed reviews upon release. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 17% critic rating and a 60% audience score. Cena acknowledged that making movies requires patience, a stark contrast to the live performance world he came from. "Making movies is a patient process, and everyone there has a meaningful position, and I came from a world of live performance where it's very different," he added.
A Shift in Mindset
Cena explained that as a WWE champion, he was accustomed to immediate reactions from fans, whether adoration or disdain. In filmmaking, however, the process is more silent, with no instant feedback. "They're very long days, they're very patient days, and I think you just have to be in the mindset for it. Thank goodness that some people along the way, in 2012, in 2015, saw some potential in me and took another gamble."
Over the years, Cena has taken his acting career more seriously and has appeared in numerous popular films and television shows. His journey from a WWE superstar to a Hollywood actor serves as a testament to his growth and dedication to his craft.
