John Cena Takes on the Lead Role in the "Matchbox" Movie
The "Matchbox" brand has been around since 1953
Fans of action-packed racing films are likely to get their money's worth again in the next few years, as John Cena is taking on the lead role in the "Matchbox" film.
As Deadline reports, Sam Hargrave, who most recently directed the "Extraction" movies with Chris Hemsworth for Netflix, will take over the directing of the "Matchbox" film with John Cena. The screenplay was written by David Coggeshall and Jonathan Tropper, known for "Orphan: First Kill" and "The Family Plan", among others.
The film is based on Mattel's legendary Matchbox toy range, which has been delighting generations of fans for over 70 years. The Matchbox brand was invented in 1953 by Jack Odell, a passionate car enthusiast. The story of Matchbox's origins is as simple as it is charming: Odell wanted to solve a problem for his daughter, who was only allowed to take a toy to school if it was small enough to fit into a matchbox. He then developed the first Matchbox car, a small die-cast car that fitted into a box of exactly this kind. There is no release date yet.
The Career of John Cena
John Cena is not only one of the most famous personalities in wrestling, but has also firmly established himself in the world of film and pop culture. His career, which began as a professional wrestler in the WWE, has evolved over the years into a multifaceted venture that has made him a popular actor, musician, presenter and philanthropist. This article looks at the various stages of his impressive career and his impact on the entertainment industry
Early Years and WWE Breakthrough
John Cena was born on April 23, 1977 in West Newbury, Massachusetts. He showed an early interest in sports and bodybuilding, which eventually led him to a career in wrestling. After studying at Springfield College, Cena moved to California to pursue a career as a bodybuilder. Yet it was the world of wrestling that was to become his true vocation.
In 2000, Cena began training with Ultimate Pro Wrestling (UPW) before signing a contract with WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) in 2001. He made his WWE debut in June 2002 as "The Prototype", a character that would later evolve into the iconic "Doctor of Thuganomics" - a hip-hop inspired character who rapped, insulted and gained respect in the wrestling world.
Cena quickly gained popularity through his charm, his raps and his ability to impress both in the ring and on the microphone. He won his first WWE Championship title in 2005, beginning his era as one of the faces of the WWE. Over the next few years, Cena established himself as the figurehead of the WWE, winning a total of 16 world titles and dominating the main events of the biggest wrestling events, including WrestleMania, the WWE's most prestigious event.
Transformation from Wrestler to Actor
While John Cena continued to be successful in the ring, he began to expand his career into acting in the mid-2000s. His first major film was "The Marine" (2006), an action production produced by WWE Studios. Although the movie received mixed reviews, it showcased Cena's ability to deliver as an action hero.
Over the years, Cena took on more movie roles, most notably in action movies such as "12 Rounds" (2009) and "Legendary" (2010). But it was his growing versatility that really made him stand out as an actor. Cena began to focus not only on action films, but expanded his repertoire to include comedy roles, which helped him gain even greater popularity.
The Breakthrough in Hollywood
Cena's comedic talent was first on full display in "Trainwreck" (2015) alongside Amy Schumer. In the role of a self-deprecating bodybuilder, Cena proved that he is not only a tough action hero, but also a talented comedian. Further comedies such as "Daddy's Home 2" (2017) and "Blockers" (2018) cemented his image as an actor who can make fun of himself and has a natural talent for humorous roles.
Alongside his comedic successes, Cena continued to take on roles in action movies and became part of major franchise productions. In 2021, he played the role of Jakob Toretto, the brother of Vin Diesel's character Dominic Toretto, in "Fast & Furious 9". Cena also took on the role of Peacemaker in the DC Universe, first in the movie "The Suicide Squad" (2021) and later in the spin-off series of the same name, which was released on HBO Max.
Other Activities and Commitments
In addition to his career as an actor and wrestler, John Cena is also active as a musician and presenter. His rap album "You Can't See Me" (2005) reached number 15 on the Billboard 200 charts and included his famous WWE entrance music "The Time Is Now".
Cena is also a dedicated philanthropist. He has granted more than 650 wishes for the Make-A-Wish Foundation - more than any other celebrity - making him a role model for millions of fans worldwide. His positive attitude and commitment to children and people in need have earned him a special role in pop culture.