John Cena recently opened up about his brief role in the 2023 blockbuster Barbie, calling it a “mistake” due to the challenges of filming it alongside Fast X. The actor shared how a chance dinner with Margot Robbie led to his unexpected cameo as Mermaid Ken.
How a Dinner With Margot Robbie Led to Cena’s Barbie Role
John Cena revealed that his appearance in Barbie happened by accident. While having dinner with his wife, he decided to pay for another table’s meal as a kind gesture—unaware that Margot Robbie was hosting it. This led to a conversation about the film.
“This was the second time I was getting to act beside my acting bestie Dua Lipa! I hope she is doing well. This is a mistake! I had met a person at dinner, and I was having an intimate moment with my wife and that involved me communicating with that person but not in my normal tact. I was like, ‘Man, I want to do something nice for them and I am going to pay for their dinner.’ It was a table that Margot Robbie was hosting, and I didn’t even know it!”
Robbie, who had worked with Cena in The Suicide Squad, invited him to join Barbie since both films were shooting near each other. Cena agreed immediately, despite his busy schedule filming Fast X.
Cena’s Agency Warned Him Against the Barbie Cameo
Cena’s agency reportedly advised him against taking the Barbie role, fearing it might hurt his chances at future leading roles. They believed the small cameo was “beneath him.” However, Cena disagreed and followed his instincts.
“The perspective from an agency standpoint was, ‘This is beneath you,’ which I get that. But also to the agency’s credit, immediately they acquiesced, and I was like, ‘No, we’re going to do it,’ but all they can do is offer their guidance. They’re not ultimately making the choice.”
Despite the warning, Cena took the role, appearing as a mermaid alongside Dua Lipa. The film became a massive success, earning over $1.4 billion worldwide and receiving eight Oscar nominations.
Struggling to Film Barbie and Fast X at the Same Time
Cena admitted that balancing Barbie and Fast X was difficult. While Barbie was a colorful comedy, Fast X was an intense action film, making it hard to switch between roles.
“Juggling two vastly different genres at the same time proved to be a significant challenge. While Barbie is a vibrant, satirical fantasy comedy, Fast X is a high-energy action film known for its intense stunts and gritty tone.”
Despite the challenges, Cena managed to film both. His role in Fast X as Jakob Toretto was more serious, while his Barbie cameo was playful and unexpected.
Why Cena Doesn’t Regret the Decision
Even though Cena called Barbie a “mistake,” he doesn’t regret taking the role. He believes in taking every opportunity and trusts that good work leads to more chances.
“I’ve always operated under the philosophy that good work gets you another chance.”
The film’s success proved his decision right, as Barbie became one of the highest-grossing movies of 2023. Cena’s cameo, though short, was memorable and showed his versatility as an actor.
After Barbie and Fast X, Cena has continued taking on diverse roles. He recently starred in Heads of State with Priyanka Chopra and Idris Elba, now streaming on Amazon Prime Video. He is also promoting his upcoming comedy Ricky Stanicky.
Also Read: John Cena and Idris Elba’s New Movie ‘Heads of State’ Gets Mixed Reviews; See Rotten Tomatoes Score
Cena’s willingness to take risks has kept his career dynamic, proving that even small roles can have a big impact.
Sources: Variety and The Hollywood Reporter.
