When thinking of World Wrestling Entertainment superstar John Cena, it’s bone crunching action that comes to mind, not high drama. Yet this time the bruiser with the flat-top haircut and bulging physique takes a break from the bullet-riddled smash-ups found in his first two films, “The Marine” and “12 Rounds.”
In “Legendary,” he plays Mike Chetley, a former amateur wrestling champion who’s estranged from his family. His less-than-athletic younger brother Cal seeks him out for wrestling advice in order to bring the two brothers and their widowed mom (Patricia Clarkson) back together. So instead of chewing up baddies, Cena is chewing up scenery with the likes of Clarkson, an Oscar nominated actress.
Q. Although you get to beat up some folks in "Legendary," it's predominately a non-action role for you. Were you excited about tackling what's basically a straight drama?
A. Absolutely. Especially when I really enjoyed the script so much. I wasn't just given the part. I was given the script and asked if I enjoyed it or not. So when I gave it a read, I really liked the movie and knew it was something I could handle, something that I wanted to be involved in.
Q. This is your third film and you go toe to toe with seasoned vet Patricia Clarkson in several scenes. What was the dynamic like between the two of you?
A. Those scenes were very intense. It was the first time in my very new movie acting career that you really kind of feel emotional after you cut and after you do a scene. She's a wonderful actress.
Q. So what did you walk away with after working with her? Did you take anything away that you're going to put in your tool bag for next time?
A. Yeah, you just can't have any reservations, especially when you're trying to elicit an emotional response. You can't be too cool for school. You've got to go out there and really try to be as involved as you can in a scene.
Q. With WWE in the movie business, is there more of a competitive relationship between wrestlers as to who is going to be the next breakout movie star?
A. There is and that element now looms as something to reach for as well. But with all the movies WWE has already made and the movies they're going to make -- they already have five in the can and I believe they're slated for at least another six more -- opportunity is there. Although it is competitive, if you're chosen for a movie, you're not necessarily looked at with ill will.
Q. WWE's WrestleMania, the biggest event in pro wrestling, is coming to Atlanta in 2011. How would you suggest fans prepare for this?
A. First of all, get your tickets early. It's something you really want to watch the 'on sale' of, because we will be rocking the Georgia Dome. And that's another way the company has grown. WrestleMania is not just a day event. You'll realize it when we come into Atlanta. That one day attracts fans from all across the world. We're broadcast in 180 countries. And that is the one day that everyone internationally, across the United States, migrates to one location, this year it's Atlanta in the Georgia Dome, to enjoy the best show the WWE has to offer for the entire year. ...And it's become a weeklong celebration. We have WWE Axxess all week where you get to get up close and personal with all of the superstars. So not only can you go to what I think is the greatest live entertainment event on the face of the planet, you can actually meet all of the superstars the week before and really get as close to the product as anything you've ever seen.
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