Sure, David Ayer’s “Suicide Squad” was a box office hit, earning nearly $750 million worldwide. But it’s not controversial to say that public opinion about the film is mixed, to say the least. Some find it a fun, if flawed entry in the DCEU, while others absolutely loathe everything to do with the film. And it’s that sort of polarizing opinion that made John Cena even more excited to join the cast for James Gunn’s “The Suicide Squad,” as he hopes to prove to everyone that this is a great superhero franchise.
Speaking to ScreenRant, Cena talked about his desire to take on “The Suicide Squad,” which is being billed as a new interpretation of the franchise—not a sequel and not a reboot. For the actor, his career in the WWE helped prepare him for taking on a role in a franchise that has a lot of negative responses, already.
“That made me want to dive in the son of a bitch extra hard,” explained Cena. “There is no more satisfying situation than to change someone’s mind. And then you look at the people involved in trying to orchestrate that choice. Like I said, I’ve been on James every day. And I think he kind of likes having that chip on his shoulder. He probably won’t admit it, but I think he kind of likes it and he wants to be able to change perception to people who maybe weren’t so happy with the first they saw.”
He continued, “It makes it fun. You know, it makes it, there’s a lot at stake because they set precedent a major title that did great money, but at the same time, polarizing. And I was a very polarizing figure in WWE, so I can say the word polarizing. I mean, some people like it, some people don’t. It’s a great challenge. There’s a great risk involved, but nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?”
In the film, John Cena plays Peacemaker, a character that is willing to do anything, even kill, if its in the name of keeping peace. And apparently, Cena is so good in the role, Gunn has already written and directed an HBO Max spinoff series focused on Peacemaker. So, at least right now, it would appear that Cena’s desire to prove people wrong has led him to perhaps the biggest acting role of his career.
“The Suicide Squad” arrives in theaters and on HBO Max on August 6. “Peacemaker” is expected to hit HBO Max in January.