During a recent appearance on The Howard Stern Show, actor John Cena shared how he almost turned down the opportunity to appear in the movie Barbie due to advice from his team. Despite his team's reservations, Cena decided to trust his instincts and take on the role.
Cena revealed that his team, consisting of just his manager and an agency, initially advised him against doing the movie, citing concerns about the project not aligning with his career trajectory. However, Cena emphasized that he views every opportunity as valuable and was intrigued by the chance to work on Barbie.
While filming another project, Fast X, Cena coincidentally found himself on the same studio lot where Barbie was being shot. He was approached by Margot Robbie, who invited him to play a merman in the film. Despite assurances that his role would only require a half-day of filming, Cena's agency remained hesitant about the project.
Cena acknowledged his agency's perspective that the role might be perceived as beneath him but ultimately decided to go against their advice and take on the opportunity. His decision paid off, as Barbie went on to have a successful opening weekend and grossed over $1.4 billion worldwide.
The film has received critical acclaim and is nominated for eight awards at the upcoming 96th annual Academy Awards, including a nomination for Best Picture. Cena expressed his belief that awards are not the sole measure of success and highlighted the impact that the movie has had on audiences.
Reflecting on the experience, Cena emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities and focusing on the work itself rather than external validation. He commended his co-stars and the film's director for their contributions to the project and the positive impact it has had on viewers.
As Cena continues to navigate his career, he remains committed to pursuing projects that resonate with him creatively and offer meaningful experiences for both himself and audiences.
