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John Cena knows how to wrestle. And he put that skill to use when he decided to take a role in “Barbie,” even though his agent said the role of a mermaid was “over the top.”
Cena appeared on SiriusXM's Howard Stern Show on Wednesday and delved into the conflict. Cena said that it was ultimately Margot Robbie who brought him on board.
But his agency thought differently about the role.
“I can’t trust them to do that. They just keep doing what they know,” Cena said. “And what they know is, 'This creature, this commodity attracts these things, we should stay on that track.' But I am not a commodity. I am human and assume that every opportunity is an opportunity. And I read the script of the film and did my best to be in the film, but we were doing Fast Five and shooting next door. And then when I finally got in touch with the people who can make the decisions, Margot said, 'We're going to make you a mermaid.' You're going to spend half a day in it.' Yes, of couse.”
Cena agreed with his agency's stance.
“But I think the perspective from the agency's perspective was, 'This is beneath you,' and I understand that.” But to the agency's credit, they took immediate action… but all they can do is help to offer. They ultimately don't make the choice and their instruction is, “Hey, really, the resulting trickle-down economic effects could get you out of those leadership positions.” And I get all that. I have always worked with the philosophy that good work gives you another chance.”
Cena didn't point fingers, but last May he signed with William Morris Endeavor after spending 18 years with ICM Partners. He is currently promoting his new film Ricky Stanicky, which will be released on Prime Video on March 7th.