Blockers star and WWE legend, John Cena, is set to star in the upcoming Paramount Players comedy, Playing With Fire. Since his film debut in The Marine (2006), Cena has made a graceful transition from the wrestling ring to the big screen with a keen focus in the genres WWE prepared him for: action films and comedies.
The actor first tested his comedic ability in Trainwreck, in which he played Amy Schumer's monogamy-obsessed boyfriend. From his, perhaps unexpected, success in a very different role for the nascent actor, Cena moved on to more stereotypical casting in Sisters and Daddy's Home 2; in both movies, he played the macho, straight-man, leaving the laughs to more experienced comedians – the likes of Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, and Will Ferrell. Yet, in this year's smash hit, Blockers, Cena once again found the comedic spotlight in an unexpected role – an anxious father attempting to defend his daughter's virginity on prom night. He proved he's more than just his physique, holding his own against his talented co-stars Leslie Mann and Ike Barinholtz.
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It won't be long before Cena stars in another comedy now, as Variety reports the Blockers star is currently finalizing negotiations with Paramount Players for a role in the family comedy Playing With Fire. The movie – written by Dan Ewen and Matt Lieberman – centers around three wildfire fighters dealing with chaos after rescuing three unruly children. Further casting information remains under wraps for the moment, as does Cena's exact role in the film.
This family comedy is not all the burgeoning movie star has on his plate in the upcoming year, as he's set to star in the newest installment of the Transformers series, a prequel entitled Bumblebee. Additionally, he'll join Ralph Fiennes, Selena Gomez, and Robert Downey Jr. in the animated action-adventure tale, The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle. Rounding out this year's events, Cena will travel to Saudi Arabia for a WWE tournament of champions in Riyadh this November.
The world knew Cena the wrestler long before Cena the actor, and even longer before Cena the comedian. His name has become a facet of pop culture, but perhaps he'll forever be known for his bulging muscles and tough guy persona instead of his surprising comedic timing. Yet, as he continues to step up and take unexpected roles in blockbuster comedies, he gains the attention of new audiences and, in turn, new fans. Hopefully, Playing With Fire will put him in another position to do just that.
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Source: Variety