John Cena wants to star in a horror movie, following his acclaimed role in the television series Peacemaker and as he moves toward his impending retirement from WWE. During a public appearance in Philadelphia, Cena shared his interest in the genre with fans, marking a potential new chapter in his Hollywood pursuits.
John Cena Looks to Horror Films as Next Career Move
John Cena announced his openness to taking on a role in a horror movie while speaking to fans at the Philadelphia Fan Expo. Previously recognized as the 17-time World Champion and a driving force in WWE, Cena has become increasingly invested in acting, seeking out new opportunities as his wrestling career winds down. His comments followed questions regarding his future outside the wrestling ring and his intentions within the entertainment industry.
My answer to that is yes, because I’ve never been in a horror film. So I would just want to be in a horror film. If you’re out there and doing it, I’m available.
—John Cena, WWE Superstar and Actor
Cena’s stint in Peacemaker proved pivotal, positioning him as more than just a celebrated professional wrestler. The HBO Max show highlighted his capacity for portraying deeply layered and intense characters, helping him gain significant attention as an actor. This evolution signals a clear ambition to expand his career beyond the wrestling world and delve into new territory, such as horror cinema.
With his WWE retirement tour underway, highlighted by a tag-team match alongside Logan Paul at Money in the Bank and the highly anticipated return of Peacemaker for a second season in August 2025, Cena’s fans are eager to see how his transition to acting unfolds. Rumors of a Peacemaker versus Batman showdown have only intensified the excitement around his next screen appearance.
Cena’s portrayal in Peacemaker stands out for its blend of brutal action and emotional depth. Known as an antihero driven by a skewed sense of justice, his character allowed audiences to see both the outlandish and vulnerable sides of Cena as a performer, showing his flexibility in taking on roles that challenge him emotionally and comedically.
Considering his wrestling retirement plans, Cena is determined to conclude his WWE career on a high note, ensuring he leaves in a structured way and cements his legacy as, in his view, the company’s last true champion. This strong sense of finality could create the space necessary for him to fully dedicate himself to acting and the horror genre he hopes to explore.
Controversy Grows Over Cena’s Latest WWE Title Run
Even as Cena continues to draw crowds as WWE Champion, debate has arisen within the wrestling community regarding the direction of his most recent title reign. Critics suggest that reinstating Cena at the top spot takes away from the momentum of emerging superstars who work full-time, raising concerns over the impact on WWE’s long-term storytelling and talent development strategies.
The conversation about the WWE World Championship has grown heated, with many believing that Cody Rhodes, also known as the American Nightmare, is the most likely contender to dethrone Cena. Rhodes had previously lost the title at WrestleMania 41, but recent storylines—including Cena’s involvement in Logan Paul’s World Heavyweight title match and the announcement of an alliance with Jey Uso—highlight shifting allegiances and the complex landscape that defines current WWE narratives.
Randy Orton, who was frustrated by a loss at Backlash 2025, also remains in the mix, looking for another shot at the title in hopes of settling a long-standing rivalry with Cena. The unpredictability of match outcomes, such as the incident where match officials were incapacitated, adds to the building tension surrounding the championship picture.
Despite the resistance to Cena’s reign and growing support for fresh talent, he remains a powerful draw at events. However, the ongoing debate signals broader dissatisfaction among a segment of fans and performers, leaving WWE with the challenge of balancing nostalgia with the need to foster new stars and progress the company’s future direction.
What John Cena’s Next Steps Could Mean for WWE and Entertainment
John Cena’s ambition to star in a horror movie comes at a turning point as he approaches the end of his storied wrestling career and further commits to building his legacy as an actor. How WWE adapts to growing calls for change as Cena transitions out will likely shape the landscape of professional wrestling over the coming years. Meanwhile, his willingness to branch into new genres such as horror may yield unexpected opportunities not only for Cena himself but for the entertainment industry at large, as fans watch to see if his next act on the big screen can rival the impact he’s had in the ring.
