John Cena Got The Lead Role In "Peacemaker" Only After Another Wrestling Legend Turned It Down

Dave Bautista Was Top Choice For 'Peacemaker,' Not John Cena

Maybe you know him best for his action-packed career as a WWE wrestler?

Or perhaps you know him from his acting credits in The Fast and the Furious franchise, Vacation Friends, or Blockers?

Now he's back to reprise his leading role in Season 2 of Peacemaker.

He made his first appearance as the DC anti-hero in 2021's The Suicide Squad. And while it's hard to picture anyone else portraying Peacemaker, the part *almost* went to someone else!

Director James Gunn recently revealed that he originally intended to cast Dave Bautista, but the actor ultimately had to pass on it. "I wrote the character of Peacemaker for him, and we offered him the role, but he was offered two other movies," James said. "And we weren't paying him a lot, and so he had to go where the money was."

Gunn went on to say Cena's work in Trainwreck caught his attention because "he was so, so funny in that movie." The two ended up meeting, became instant friends, and the rest is history!

What do you think of the new season of Peacemaker? Share your thoughts in the comments!