A professional wrestler and WWE Superstar taking Hollywood and action movies by storm could wind up with a role in James Gunn’s Suicide Squad, and it’s not the one you’re thinking of.
Yes, Dave Bautista is often talked about as a potential star for the reboot. He has loyalty and a close relationship with director Gunn. But one of his biggest rivals in the ring might headline over him in this arena.
John Cena is in negotiations for a role in the upcoming production that should begin shooting this year, reports Variety. Warner Bros. didn’t comment and neither did reps for Gunn and Cena.
It isn’t clear yet who Cena would play if talks are successful, but Cosmic Book News brought up the possibility of Peacemaker, the psycho pacifist Bautista was rumored for. Another, when you look at Cena’s credits from The Marine up to Bumblebee, is Col. Rick Flagg. Considering Joel Kinnaman won’t be back, that spot is open and ideal.
There are others. Until casting is official, unfortunately, we can only guess. What is certain is John Cena will be joining the crazy-busy Margot Robbie, Jai Courtney (returning to the role of Captain Boomerang), and new addition Idris Elba — who also is not tethered to any particular role.
The Suicide Squad will mark John Cena’s first outing in a comic book movie, yet not his first foray into big franchises or action adventures. Cena, who is known for his own fandoms and penchant for pop culture references in his promos, won’t find it difficult to get into character or make the transition for DC.
Where the intrigue takes hold is at the thought of him and Bautista working together again, this time in the new phase of their careers. They have a storied history, having wrestled each other many times. Cena once suffered a career-threatening neck injury in a match with The Animal, and Bautista retired from wrestling the first time in 2010 after they feuded.
Their heat is kayfabe as far as we know but they walked similar paths and they always had a quasi-rivalry going. It endures in some ways and would be thrilling to see it play out on the big screen.
Who would you want John Cena to play? Are you excited for John Cena to enter the DC Cinematic Universe?