Roman Reigns’ cameo in the Prime Video film The Pickup has captured the attention of fans, delivering a more meaningful and plot-driven role compared to his previous appearance in Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw. This brief but impactful scene, featuring Reigns as an unnamed MMA fighter, highlights his comedic timing while playing a key part in the movie’s heist storyline.
Reigns appears as the headliner for a casino fight night, during a crucial moment when the characters Russel (Eddie Murphy), Travis (Pete Davidson), and Zoe (Keke Palmer) are attempting to rob the casino. Zoe cleverly provokes Reigns’ character by suggesting his opponent insulted him, prompting him to leave the fight abruptly and clearing the way for the group’s scheme to proceed. This cameo not only integrates Reigns smoothly into the plot but also playfully nods to the exaggerated drama typical in wrestling culture, making it entertaining for viewers.
Why Roman Reigns’ Role in Hobbs & Shaw Didn’t Resonate As Strongly
Roman Reigns made his first movie cameo in 2019’s Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, where he played Mateo Hobbs, the brother of Luke Hobbs, portrayed by Dwayne Johnson. His character took part in the climactic Battle of Samoa, featuring intense hand-to-hand combat scenes highlighting many wrestling signature moves like the Samoan Drop and Spear.
Although the part suited Reigns’ wrestling background, it lacked depth and humor, giving him minimal dialogue and a role mostly confined to action sequences. The cameo seemed designed to appeal to fans through the real-life connection between Reigns and Johnson, showcasing their Samoan heritage, but it did not contribute significantly to the overarching narrative or offer a standout comedic moment.
Compared to this, The Pickup incorporates Reigns’ appearance as an integrated element that directly influences the story’s outcome, making it feel more purposeful.
Director Tim Story Praises Roman Reigns’ Potential on Screen
Tim Story, director of The Pickup, expressed admiration for Roman Reigns’ presence and potential as an actor. Following a Zoom discussion to shape Reigns’ role, Story was impressed by his natural charisma and believes movie stardom awaits him. He told Screen Off Script,
“I don’t want to say I was surprised, but it’s one of those things where you smile and go, ‘This guy could be a star, man’.”
Story added,
“I think one, it’s inevitable. Two it’s time. Just in my small time working with him, this guy, he’s incredible. I’m a little bit like, ‘What took so long?’ He should be making movies.”
Such praise from Story underscores the belief that Roman Reigns may soon expand his presence beyond wrestling and into broader Hollywood roles.
Roman Reigns’ Upcoming Role in Street Fighter Elevates His Acting Career
Fans eager to see more of Roman Reigns on screen won’t have to wait long. His next prominent role will be in the upcoming live-action Street Fighter movie, where he is set to portray Akuma, one of the iconic villains from the gaming franchise. This marks a significant step in Reigns’ acting path, especially as he will star alongside WWE rival Cody Rhodes, who takes on the role of the hero Guile. This casting scenario creates an intriguing dynamic for wrestling fans turning to cinema.
The anticipation for Street Fighter suggests that Reigns’ career trajectory could follow the footsteps of fellow WWE stars like Dwayne Johnson and John Cena, who have successfully transitioned into full-time acting. If The Pickup is any indication of his talent and screen presence, Reigns, known as the Tribal Chief in WWE, appears well-positioned to become Hollywood’s next major star from the wrestling world.
Fan Reactions and the Future of Roman Reigns in Hollywood
The positive reception to Roman Reigns’ cameo in The Pickup raises questions about his future in film and how far his acting career might go. Many fans consider this appearance his best movie moment yet, surpassing previous roles in cinematic franchises. The seamless blend of humor and relevance to the film’s plot reveals Reigns’ potential beyond wrestling entertainment.
As audiences await his performance in Street Fighter, the industry and fans alike are watching closely to see if Roman Reigns will join the ranks of WWE alumni who have successfully made Hollywood their second home.
