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John Cena knows how to fight. And he took advantage of that ability when he decided to take on a role in Barbie even though his agency said the role of a mermaid was “beneath” him.
Cena appeared on SiriusXM. The Howard Stern Show on Wednesday and plunged into conflict. Cena said that it was ultimately Margot Robbie who helped bring him in.
But his agency thought differently about the role.
“I don’t let it go. They just do what they know,” Cena said. “And what they know is, ‘This entity, this product, gravitates toward these things, we should stay in this lane.’ But I am not a commodity. I am a human being and I operate under the idea that every opportunity is an opportunity. And I read the script for the movie and I tried so hard to be in the movie, but we were filming. Fast Five, filming next door. And then when I finally connected with the people who can make the decisions, Margot told me, ‘We’ll make you a mermaid.’ You will be there half a day. Yes, sure.”
Cena agreed with his agency’s position.
“But I think the perspective from the agency’s point of view was ‘This is beneath you,’ which I understand. But it must also be recognized that the agency acted immediately… but all they can do is offer their guidance. Ultimately, they’re not the ones making the decision and their guidance is, “Hey, really, the trickle-down economics of this could get you out of these leadership positions.” And I understand all that. “I have always operated under 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 movie, Ricky Stanickywhich will be released on March 7 on Prime Video.