John Cena in today’s time playing a superhero character in his web series Peacemaker. But did you know that he tried for a few Marvel superhero roles as well? Yes, but unfortunately he faced rejection in auditions. Among other roles, the WWE legend-turned-actor tried for the role of Cable which played a crucial part in Deadpool 2.
John Cena Auditioned For The Role Of Cable In Deadpool 2?
John Cena. Image Credit: Max
The path to stardom is often paved with setbacks, and former WWE champion John Cena is no exception. Despite his current status as a Hollywood A-lister, the actor has candidly revealed a series of rejections he faced before achieving breakthrough success.
During an insightful interview with SlashFilm, John Cena revealed the extent of his struggles in securing major roles in Hollywood. He shared that he had been turned away from several significant characters before finally landing the role of Peacemaker. Cena mentioned that his efforts to join the superhero genre had been met with numerous rejections, including his attempts to join the Marvel and DC universes. Notably, he had auditioned for the role of Shazam in the DC Extended Universe but was ultimately not selected. Additionally, he shared that he had tried to break into the Deadpool franchise, specifically aiming for the role of Cable, but was also rejected.
Cena’s determination, however, did not waver. He continued to audition for various roles despite the constant negative responses. “There was a brief try at the Deadpool universe, rejection,” Cena stated. When asked if this was for the role of Cable, he confirmed it. He further mentioned, “There was a few in the Marvel universe,” indicating that his journey was filled with multiple attempts and subsequent rejections.
Despite the setbacks, John Cena’s persistence eventually led him to a breakthrough role. His portrayal of Peacemaker in The Suicide Squad, directed by James Gunn, marked a significant milestone in his acting career. This role allowed him to showcase his talent in a major superhero film, and it opened doors to further opportunities within the DC Universe.
Following the success of The Suicide Squad, Cena was given the chance to reprise his role as Peacemaker in a spin-off series on HBO Max. This series not only highlighted Cena’s acting abilities but also expanded the character’s storyline, providing fans with a deeper understanding of Peacemaker. The transition from a supporting character in a movie to the lead in a television series underscored Cena’s ability to amaze audiences and brought him significant acclaim.
Why Cable Was Not Present In Deadpool & Wolverine Despite Playing An Important Part In Deadpool 2?
Josh Brolin. Image Credit: Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation
The introduction of Cable, the time-traveling, cybernetically enhanced soldier, in Deadpool 2 was a significant moment for the franchise. Portrayed with gritty intensity by Josh Brolin, the character added a new dimension to the irreverent world of Deadpool. However, his conspicuous absence in the recent Deadpool & Wolverine has left fans puzzled and speculating.
Within the meta-narrative of the Deadpool films, the character’s absence is playfully addressed. Deadpool himself alludes to the possibility of Cable not testing well with audiences, offering a humorous explanation for his disappearance. While this meta-commentary is undoubtedly entertaining, it’s unlikely to be the sole reason for Cable’s omission.
In reality, the decision to exclude Cable from Deadpool & Wolverine is likely a result of various factors. The film’s focus on the dynamic between Deadpool and Wolverine, a pairing eagerly anticipated by fans, might have prioritized their story arc over introducing additional characters. Furthermore, budgetary constraints and the desire to provide ample screen time for the two titular heroes could have influenced the decision.
While appearing on The Playlist’s Bingeworthy TV podcast, Brolin shared how much he loved playing Cable and the complexity of navigating the MCU’s intricate planning. He remarked, “I so wanted to be in that movie. [… Marvel] is a more complex labyrinth than Outer Range will ever be, my friend. And I will never know where that went or what that is or what I’m involved with or what I’m not involved with — the MCU being so involved now. Cable was a lot of fun. I really liked doing that role.”
The acquisition of 20th Century Fox by Disney has undoubtedly impacted the future of the X-Men characters, including Cable. Josh Brolin, who expressed keen interest in reprising the role, has acknowledged the complex nature of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the uncertainty surrounding his character’s future.
Deadpool & Wolverine is showing in theaters.
