Thor: Ragnarok has lined up an impressive cast. Aside from the return of Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Idria Elba and Anthony Hopkins, the movie has enlisted the help of Cate Blanchett, Jeff Goldblum, Karl Urban and other top-notch actors. However, did director Taika Waititi sneak in another high-profile name into the third Thor outing? Someone like… John Cena!?
The new rumor of the day comes from none other than Ragnarok‘s IMDB page. While not normally a site for breaking news, observant fans noticed something unique on the movie’s cast list. Nestled in between Ray Stevenson and a rumored Lou Ferrigno was the face and name of the 15-time WWE Champion.
Shortly after the Cena news started spreading around the internet, the website was quickly changed and Cena’s spot was swapped out for Stan Lee. So, perhaps it was just a hoax;Â the Cena Meme is a popular option for trolls looking to insert the wrestler where he doesn’t belong. Still, what if it wasn’t? What if someone in the Ragnarok production team got ahead of themselves and just spoiled a potential cameo from one of the most popular wrestlers of all time?
Now, to understand why this rumor even matters, is to understand who John Cena is. Essentially, he’s the Hulk Hogan of this generation, a come-to-life superhero in the ring who never loses. Recently, Cena made his way into the mainstream thanks to movies like The Marine, Trainwreck and Sisters. He also had extended stints hosting The Today Show and other reality TV shows. Cena is on the brink of becoming a mainstream star using the same path The Rock did years ago. Will John Cena become the next Dwayne Johnson? Probably not. But getting a spot in a Marvel movie would be a step in the right direction.
That’s why we need to consider John Cena for a role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (I mean, it worked out well for Dave Batista). If Cena is indeed working on the set of Ragnarok, he needs a role that would allow him to shine. Even if it’s just a cameo, Cena is capable of stealing the spotlight. So, here are three roles — and one that’s a product of wishful thinking — that John Cena would be perfect for in Thor: Ragnarok.
1. Ragnarok
I mean… you can’t have a movie called Ragnarok without including the character Ragnarok, right? In the comics, Ragnarok was a clone of Thor who kind of went off the deep end (he killed Goliath in the first Civil War series). For the big screen, you can use either Loki or Hela to create a clone version of Thor… only bigger. This way, when Hemsworth needs an enemy to fight, it will be a larger version of himself. A bigger version of Thor? I think John Cena has the look, and the towering physique, to pull that off.
2. Surtur
Perhaps there were no pictures of Cena on the set of Ragnarok because all his work involved heavy CGI. Thor is going to travel to a bunch of different spots during the film as he fights his way back to Asgard. Could one of those worlds he visits include Muspelheim? We did get a quick glimpse of it in The Dark World when the portals were opened. That realm is going to need a ruler, and Surtur is the man in charge. Even if it’s only a quick cameo, Surtur could have a lasting impression and could set up the demon appearing in a future Thor movie, or even a Doctor Strange film. Deep voice? Intimidating presence? Sounds like a role perfect for a wrestler turned actor.
3. Adam Warlock
Doesn’t he have to appear eventually? If the character of Adam Warlock is going to show up prior to the events in Avengers: Infinity War, Ragnarok might be his last chance. We know his cocoon appeared in Guardians of the Galaxy, so he exists in the current MCU. Now we just need a face to capture the angelic presence that Warlock embodies. Considering Cena has been a pure hero during his entire stint in professional wrestling, it would seem his qualities of “hustle, loyalty and respect” would fit in perfectly with Warlock. Plus, Cena vs Thanos? That’s worthy of headlining a Wrestlemania.
The Aforementioned Product of Wishful Thinking- Ben Grimm
I know Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige said an MCU Fantastic Four isn’t happening. And the Russo’s are adamant they aren’t scouting locations for Doctor Doom’s mansion. BUT…I choose to believe that the first family of Marvel is on their way, so why not introduce the first character next year?
Have Cena introduce himself as Ben Grimm, the future Thing, in a small cameo appearance. Start laying the groundwork for a Fantastic Four introduction by bringing Cena on board as the future rock-man. Not only would Cena be a perfect Thing, but letting fans know Reed Richards, Sue Storm and Johnny are on their way is another way to build excitement around Thor: Ragnarok.
So, what do you think? Was the Cena/ IMDB page connection just an elaborate prank that went too far? Or, is Cena coming to the MCU? If so… who do you think he should play? Let us know in the comments section below!
