John Cena Says He Will Be Dom’s Greatest Adversary In F9

In an interview with Collider, John Cena spoke about his role as Dom’s brother Jakob in the upcoming film F9 and said that he is Dom’s greatest adversary. Here are highlights:

On how seriously he took his role in the film: “I certainly didn’t overlook the responsibility of the opportunity. I get to reap the rewards of this family who has poured the foundation and built the structure of a global delivering blockbuster. I get invited into the ninth installment to share the last name Toretto and to be Dom’s greatest adversary of all time. That is not lost. I think it has to start there. It has to start with respect. It goes back to what Justin says about earning your next chapter. I believe that’s a nice metaphor for life, as well. Everything we get should be earned. I was grateful enough to develop a relationship with Vin, and Vin was gracious enough to give me a chance. I forever thank him, and I always do, for betting on me. I remember telling him a long time ago that I wouldn’t let him down because I love the body of work that’s been established and it’s an honor. I knew what it’s like, in my experiences in the WWE, to be the new kid in the locker room. I also knew what it’s like in the WWE to be the 15-year vet, when I look at the new kid in the locker room like, “Who the hell is this?” You always want to make sure someone’s intentions are genuine and their passion is true. Regardless of how many installments of the franchise you’ve been involved with, I believe if the heart is there, you get to experience that welcoming family environment. I experienced it firsthand on set and after the workday was done. It’s memories that I’ll remember forever. It’s a very wonderful experience.”

On how his character and Charlize Theron’s character are related: “A lot of the questions that people have, and the hallmark of a spectacular trailer, is about what happens next and that’s our reason to siphon people into theaters to go see F9. The fact that they watch the trailer and come up with their own theories means the excitement is still there and the buzz is still there. Fast is one of the very few franchises that has electricity around its release. That’s why we’ve asked audiences around the world to be patient because this film belongs in theaters. Now it’s time for people to begin to contemplate going back to theaters, so now it’s time for us to start establishing that buzz again. Anytime I hear a question like, “How come we’ve never heard Jakob?,” or “What is your relationship with Charlize?,” or “What happens after I saw this?,” that means that the heart is still beating, the buzz is still there, and people are ready to go back to the movies to see F9 . . . We’ve been waiting for so long, so to come this close and to spoil it, forget Universal, I would feel bad about that. We’ve waited. I’m not gonna be the one to open the Christmas gift on the 20th.”