I'm a physical storyteller: John Cena on 'Heads of State' and his love for action-comedy genre
John Cena
, who considers himself a physical storyteller.
"Heads of State", his latest movie on Prime Video, offers another glimpse into the niche that Cena has created for himself in the realm of physical comedy, where he often blends his imposing presence with a sense of humour.
In the past, the WWE wrestler-turned-actor has showcased his impeccable comic timing in films and shows such as "The Suicide Squad", "Blockers", "Peacemaker", "Trainwreck" and "Ricky Stanicky".
"I'm a physical storyteller. WWE is entertainment through physical stories. And what I love the most about action comedy is that it's the language of the world. It explains the success of the greats like Jackie Chan, even Charlie Chaplin -- before there were words in the movies.
It is truly the language of the world," Cena told PTI in an interview.
"Heads of State", which premiered on streaming service Prime Video on Wednesday, is directed by Ilya Naishuller of "Nobody" fame. The movie reunites Cena with his "The Suicide Squad" co-star
Idris Elba
and also stars
Priyanka Chopra
Jonas in a pivotal role.
In the movie, Cena plays the role of Will Derringer, a former action star who becomes the President of the United States. Elba portrays Sam Clarke, the British Prime Minister.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
'I couldn't hear my grandchildren anymore...' – Find out how she did it.
Hearing Magazine
Undo
Cena said he loved working on "Heads of State" as it allowed him to display the skills he has learned over the years.
"Being able to take the skills that I've learned as a physical storyteller and modify my skill set to be on screen, I love 'Heads of State' because even if you don't understand what we're saying, you get the story and the action. Then you share the laughs... that's why I lean into action comedy," he added.
The movie also takes forward Cena's chemistry with Elba, which they established in James Gunn's "The Suicide Squad" (2021).
While Cena's Derringer comes across as impulsive and chaotic, Elba's Clarke is more controlled and straightforward in showcasing his authority in the movie.
Cena credited the writers, Josh Appelbaum & Andre Nemec and Harrison Query, for establishing their dynamics on paper for "Heads of State".
"Writers write good stories, well-thought out stories. I don't commit to projects unless I read it. James Gunn is the only cold-call.
If he says we are getting the band back together, it is a yes and I read it afterwards. Every other project I want to read," he said.
Priyanka Chopra Shares Fun BTS Moments with John Cena & Idris Elba from 'Heads of State'
A good story has layered characters and is "brave enough to lean into the flaws", he added.
"Every character has to be flawed because then you want to root for them. If a character is too tough, too perfect, with no shortcomings, you don't want to root for that guy. So I think it's just being brave enough to lean into the words of a good writer," Cena said.
According to Cena, one of the joys of working in the world of entertainment is getting to meet new people with every project.
In the case of "Heads of State", it was an opportunity to collaborate with
Priyanka
, an actor who began her journey around the same time as Cena in the early 2000s. In the movie, Priyanka essays the role of MI6 agent Noel Bisset
"That's what's brilliant about being in the creative business... you never know who you're going to meet.
You never know the experiences you'll have, and I just try to do my best, to be decent to work with, and in the downtimes, share moments that can make us connect more.
"And we certainly did that in this movie. And for that, I'm grateful," he said.
"Heads of State" also stars Paddy Considine,
Stephen Root
, Carla Gugino, Jack Quaid and Sarah Niles.
The movie is produced by Peter Safran and John Rickard. Cena and Elba also serve as executive producers.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
43 minutes ago
- Time of India
Apoorva Mukhija compares India's Got Latent backlash to Rhea Chakraborty's experience: 'It's the audience that views, shares, and mocks this content'
Content creator Apoorva Mukhija, popularly known as The Rebel Kid, recently opened up about facing intense public scrutiny and media trial after her controversial appearance on Samay Raina's India Got Latent show just a few months ago. Alongside Ranveer Allahabadia, Apoorva had come under fire for alleged inappropriate remarks that triggered mass outrage and multiple FIRs. While legal proceedings are still underway, Apoorva is now shedding light on the aftermath of the backlash, particularly the media narrative and public response, which, she says, reminded her of what Rhea Chakraborty went through after the death of Sushant Singh Rajput . 'It's the audience that allows them to keep doing it' Speaking to Bollywood Bubble, Apoorva called out the public's role in fuelling sensationalist content and encouraging toxic coverage. Referring to the way Rhea was mobbed outside court during her own media trial, Apoorva said the cycle is perpetuated because of the demand for viral, clickable content. 'Look at the amount of views those videos have. People like us give them the right to do this. That sort of gives them the right to do this. It's the audience that views this content, shares it, and mocks it. That content is what allows them to keep doing it over and over again,' she said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Deutsche Gründer brauchen Sie: Investieren Sie in innovative Ideen Mehr erfahren Undo Apoorva Mukhija Evicted After 'Latent' Controversy | Chaos, Police & Silent Exit Public reaction fuels toxic trends, says Apoorva According to Apoorva, the consistent attention, whether in the form of outrage, mockery, or curiosity, is what keeps such content alive. She suggested that as long as the public continues to engage with these stories, creators and platforms will keep producing them. Despite the trolling, criticism, and emotional toll, Apoorva maintains a reflective and composed stance. When asked how she remains strong, she responded with a mix of acceptance and humour: 'I mean, it's a combination of everything, honestly. I've just had a lot of experiences, but experiences are just stories; they make for great story times. So it's okay.'
Time of India
43 minutes ago
- Time of India
Painting competition to promote tourism planned
Vijayawada: To promote social awareness through art and attract tourists to the scenic Krishna Riverfront, the NTR district administration is organising a floor painting competition on July 13 at Haritha Berm Park. The event aims to encourage public participation, creative expression, and environmental consciousness. Organised by the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation in collaboration with the district administration, the competition will begin at 6:30 AM and is open to the public. Participants will showcase their artistic skills on socially relevant themes, including Swarnandhra Vision @ 2047, Say No to Single Use Plastic, Swachhandhra–Swarnandhra, Save Water, Reduce-Reuse-Recycle, Harithandhra, and the 14-Point Government-Private-Public Partnership Policy. Collector Dr. G Lakshmishah said that many people in the city possess immense talent and need a platform to display their skills. "We are conducting a series of events in the city with public participation, and this floor painting competition is one of them," he said. He encouraged the public to participate with enthusiasm. "This competition is not just about art—it's about spreading awareness and giving the Krishna Riverfront a new look with meaningful messages. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Show Off Your Talent: Enter the Ultimate Creator Contest! Tocsin Media & Marketing LLC Undo by Taboola by Taboola " The collector added that the selected themes promote various government initiatives and that the event aims to raise awareness about these schemes. He noted that street art is widely popular in South India, particularly in the form of Rangoli, and that many women use the floor as a canvas to convey messages during the Sankranti season. Cash prizes and awards will be presented to the winners, and special drawing competitions for children will also be held. The event is open to all. Interested individuals can register their name on the helpline number: 7075196840
New Indian Express
an hour ago
- New Indian Express
Uppu Kappurambu Movie Review: A rollicking, light-footed satire with oodles of cinematic energy
Uppu Kappurambu Movie Review: When we first meet Apoorva (Keerthy Suresh) in Uppu Kappurambu, she is sobbing like a baby. This is not how any sane grown-up would behave, you might think — and a character on the sidelines notes this too. And yet, minutes later, we see Apoorva as a village head, mustering all her strength and channeling her father's wisdom to solve the problems of people who are out there merely to test her mettle. It's not merely a village head on dias anymore, but a theatre novice who must keep the audience hooked at any cost. There is a delightful fearlessness to Keerthy Suresh's comedy in this film, especially in these portions as she goes no-holds-barred in her physical comedy. This is the make-or-break sequence for the film — if you find yourself attuned to Keerthy in this sequence alone, chances are you will probably like Uppu Kappurambu in its all zany entirety. I really did. Directed by Ani IV Sasi, Uppu Kappurambu is set in 1992 and in a fictional village of Chitti Jayapuram where people have their own set of customs, preferring to bury their deceased instead of cremating them. At some point in near future, as the local graveyard keeper Chinna (Suhas) notes, the village will run out of burial space. Cinema Bandi fame Vasanth Maringanti concocts this outlandish premise, and uses the opportunity to offer light-hearted satire on plenty of things at once. There's commentary on the class barrier, the rich's perennial need to prove their superiority at all points, even in the cemetery. The main conflict kicks in because of an old drunkard's zeal to concoct a strong toddy, and test the masculinity of his drinking buddies. The film even makes a light comment on patriarchy, although the writer also makes it clear Apoorva is equally a victim of prejudices due to her own limited wit. Cast: Suhas, Keerthy Suresh, Rameshwari, Babu Mohan, Shatru Director: Ani IV Sasi Streaming on: Prime Video These elements of satire and slapstick merge effectively with Ani IV Sasi's directorial style that tilt towards the sensory, giving great emphasis to visual rhythm. That's indeed what sets Uppu Kappurambu apart. Ani, in collaboration with cinematographer Divakar Mani, brings a vibrant cinematic energy to the proceedings, where how the visuals unfold remain equally interesting as what events transpire. It's a richly laid out universe, with many quirky figures on the fringes, always alive and active, giving the narrative a well-rounded atmosphere (A young lovebirds' couple can always be seen flirting, no matter what the situation around them). There is an impressive blend of physical comedy and clever satire at work here. And yet, despite the largely cartoonish tone at hand, the film also refuses to spoonfeed its viewers. There are elaborate anecdotes and backstories narrated to us at a frantic speed. There is a running gag about three ageing subordinates fighting over an umbrella that evokes laughs purely on account of how bizarre it is.
