Exclusive: John Cena Talks Trainwreckby Wilson Morales
July 14, 2015
Coming out this week is Judd Apatow’s latest comedy, ‘Trainwreck,’ starring Amy Schumer in her first starring role.
Written by Apatow and Schumer, the film also stars Bill Hader, Brie Larson, Mike Birbiglia, Colin Quinn, Tilda Swinton, Ezra Miller, John Cena, Vanessa Bayer, Jon Glaser, LeBron James, and Method Man.
Since she was a little girl, it’s been drilled into Amy’s (Schumer) head by her rascal of a dad (Colin Quinn) that monogamy isn’t realistic. Now a magazine writer, Amy lives by that credo—enjoying what she feels is an uninhibited life free from stifling, boring romantic commitment—but in actuality, she’s kind of in a rut. When she finds herself starting to fall for the subject of the new article she’s writing, a charming and successful sports doctor named Aaron Conners (Bill Hader), Amy starts to wonder if other grown-ups, including this guy who really seems to like her, might be on to something.
For WWE wrestling superstar John Cena, it’s his first dance in a comedy film. Having done his share action films over the years, the role is a change for the current WWE United States Champion.
Blackfilm.com recently spoke with Cena about doing comedy, which also includes his upcoming roles in ‘Sisters’ with Tina Fey and working with Amy and Judd on this film.
Can you talk about being in this comedy?
John Cena: It was a bit tough to redefine the conventional stereotype that goes with a performer in the WWE, but my hats off to the company I work for in giving me the chance to do it. I think not only myself but a lot of folks in my universe are extremely multifaceted. It was a great progression for me to do something in movies but to do something comedic than doing an action scenario.
Having done your share of action films, did you ever think you had any funny bones in you?
JC: I think everyone has their own sense of humor. I truly think that if you have the ability to laugh at yourself, then all you have to do is go out there and lose the inhibitions and that’s certainly what I did on this one. I guess the ability to not take yourself too seriously is what I consider my funny moment.
Can you talk about working with Amy?
JC: Amy’s great and working with her and Judd (Apatow) was fantastic. For me, this is the first time that I had done something like this and for them to be extremely established and extremely funny folks and to create an environment that was comfortable to take chances and try what I thought was funny. If it wasn’t, they would urge me to try again or come up with something else. They made it as good as it was.
How did you get into the mindset of the character, being the normal person that Amy’s character would like to go out with?
JC: Well, I think we all have been in a relationship like that, on one side or another. There was a joke in the script where the role that I play, there was only one joke. I want this normal life but in the end, he’s confused about his sexuality. So, I took that one joke and ran with it.
As you start to do more films, what is it that you and your team look for in terms of roles?
JC: Fun stuff and that’s because I love my job. I love being with the WWE. I don’t see myself leaving the WWE so I want to do fun stuff. If something really cool comes along, I’ll carve out the time in my schedule. No questions asked to be part of a cool project. It’s a position for me right now. I do have a lot to learn in this line of work, but at the very least, if it’s a project that I’m very passionate about, then my passion will show through. I think it’s a big plus in building the foundation to success.
What’s the staying power to being in the wrestling field for so long?
JC: I think it’s about the passion and that’s why I’ve taken the same approach outside of the ring. There are so many talented people in the WWE that I have been fortunate to have long relationships with. I truly believe that because I’m very passionate about the brand that I work for and what I do for a living, I take that same approach and apply it outside of the ring. I think this is a prime example of being involved with good folks and make a fun good picture.
How was shooting in New York?
JC: It was extremely fun. Earlier on in my career, and me being a small town kid from the mean streets of West Newbury, MA, I wasn’t really fond of New York because there was so much going on. Over the years, I’ve come to love the city. I think it’s a fantastic city. I can go there for and after work and enjoy it. It never shuts down so regardless what time we stop filming, there was always something to do.
How was working with Judd and doing those funny scenes with Amy?
JC: From the little that we worked together and I was very fortunate to have that experience, he would by the scriot and then asked to do a few different reads of what’s on the script; and then, through a megaphone he would shout out a line. Then he would then tell you to go for something and build off from it. They, you just say what’s on your mind. It makes for some funny moments and very unusable outtakes, but all in all, he ends up getting what he wants all the time.
Did you get a chance to meet the rest of the cast?
JC: This is truly a cast of comedian all-stars and professional sports all-stars, but my role was quick. I’m very thankful to be in the movie. It was a quick in and out, maybe a couple of days. I worked with Amy a lot and got to meet everyone, but certainly not a lot of free time to hang out with them.
You have ‘Sisters’ coming out by the end of the year, so comedy the genre you’re doing right now?
JC: Yeah. Like I said, it’s fun. I really put forth a ton of physical exhaustion in WWE all the time and we have five shows a week every week. That’s what I love to do and I’m not saying I would steer away from action, but it would have to be something that I’m truly passionate about. Comedy is fun and it’s also a different break from what I do. Something different is also inspiring as well. It’s been so far and hopefully I keep finding good things to be involved with. A lot of times when you do something opposite what people expect you to do, that’s funny itself. Just the physical nature of this guy should be in this role but he’s in that role can also be perceived as comedic.
When you are not wrestling or appearing in films, what keeps you grounded?
JC: The fact that there’s always work to be done. It’s always something else to be accomplished and just being able to set new goals and hopefully hit on some and if you miss, learn from your misses.
What’s next in the wrestling world for you?
JC: There’s always something going on in the WWE. Summerslam is coming up in August and after that, there will be another and another. We are flooding the WWE Network with live content exclusive programming and it’s really special. I’m making a special appearance on our brand show called ‘WWE Tough Enough,’ which airs on Tuesday nights at 8pm on USA Network. I watch the first episode and was really into it. I can’t wait to see how the competitors develop because I’m pretty much scouting whom I’m going to face in the ring in the future, so that’s fun for me. I’m promoting this movie and will be a fun ride for everyone. Other than that, I’m staying busy as usual.
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