How John Cena Became the Go-to Star to Help Comedy Movies Get Made

At a time when comedy projects often need advocates, there aren’t many at the moment who are bigger — both in impact and stature — than John Cena.

The WWE legend and accomplished actor stars opposite Eric André in Netflix‘s Little Brother. Currently streaming, director Matt Spicer’s feature also stars Michelle Monaghan and Christopher Meloni in the story of Rudd (Cena), a real estate agent whose meticulously planned life is disrupted when his quirky “little brother” Marcus (André) resurfaces. As is often the case, Cena’s comedic fearlessness is fully on display.

“Eric was trying to get the film made,” Cena tells The Hollywood Reporter of the movie’s origins. “Netflix said, ‘We’ll make it if you can get John.’ Eric knew me and said, ‘Would you want to be a part of it?’ I read the script in 90 minutes. I told him I would do it 24 hours later, and then Netflix is like, ‘We have a comedy on our hands.'”

The performer remains busier than ever, as he stars opposite Jennifer Garner in Netflix’s 2027 crypto comedy One Attempt Remaining from filmmaker Kay Cannon, who directed Cena in 2018’s Blockers. “This is my second time working with him, and I love it each time because he elevates everything he’s given, and he’s willing to try anything,” Cannon tells THR. “I’m excited for audiences to see him add ‘romantic lead’ to the growing list of things at which he excels.”