John Cena Reportedly In Talks To Join James Gunn's 'The Suicide Squad'

In a surprising turn of events, it appears that James Gunn has hired a WWE Superstar to appear in his upcoming DC film “The Suicide Squad,” but that person is not Dave Bautista. Instead, it seems as if John Cena is ready to suit up as part of the ‘Squad.

Variety is reporting that John Cena is in talks to join Gunn’s next film, which is said to be a “reboot” of David Ayer’s 2016 blockbuster. It’s unclear which character Cena will play in the film, or if Cena’s involvement means that Bautista won’t be able to show up in the film (he’s been lobbying for a role since Gunn’s involvement was announced). However, if it pans out and the contracts are signed, Cena would join Idris Elba, Margot Robbie, Viola Davis, and Jai Courtney in the upcoming superhero film.

READ MORE: ‘Suicide Squad’: Idris Elba Is No Longer Playing Will Smith’s Deadshot Character

Cena is probably best known by the millions who were fans of his during his run in the world of professional wrestling. Recently, he’s been showing up in more and more films, with roles in last year’s “Blockers” and “Bumblebee,” as well as a breakout role in Judd Apatow’sTrainwreck.” Clearly, he has the physique for action films, but the actor has proven himself quite adept at comedy too, which is clearly one of Gunn’s stronger traits.

Again, we don’t know much about “The Suicide Squad” as of now. We do know that Idris Elba is signed and won’t be playing Deadshot (formerly played by Will Smith). We know that Margot Robbie, Viola Davis, and Jai Courtney are reprising their roles as Harley Quinn, Amanda Waller, and Captain Boomerang, respectively. Other than that, people in the know are calling “The Suicide Squad” a reboot of Ayer’s film, even though it is set to feature some of the same characters and is clearly more of a sequel than an actual “reboot.” But I digress.

READ MORE: ‘The Suicide Squad’: Viola Davis Reportedly Returning As Amanda Waller In James Gunn’s Upcoming DCEU Film

Now, as for Bautista’s involvement, that’s all speculation, for now. We just assumed that, if possible, Gunn would invite his most vocal supporter into the fold in his latest project, but perhaps that’s not the case. That being said, if Bautista joins “The Suicide Squad,” the new film will most likely have the most muscles-per-actor of any recent superhero film, and that’s saying something.

“The Suicide Squad” is set to hit theaters on August 6, 2021. Plus an update: It looks like Dave Bautista is out.