Robert Patrick praises John Cena’s growth from The Marine to Peacemaker

Robert Patrick reflects on John Cena’s growth as an actor, from his film debut in The Marine to DC’s Peacemaker

John Cena’s transformation from WWE superstar to respected screen actor is being praised by longtime collaborator Robert Patrick, who recently reflected on Cena’s growth since their first film together nearly two decades ago.

Patrick and Cena first worked together on The Marine (2006), Cena’s debut as a leading man, in which he starred as Sergeant John Triton opposite Patrick’s villainous Rome. While the action film was widely panned by critics, it performed modestly at the box office and helped launch Cena’s Hollywood career.

Speaking in a recent interview, Patrick recalled that Cena openly admitted he was inexperienced during The Marine and actively sought advice from cast and crew. According to Patrick, that willingness to learn is what ultimately fueled Cena’s evolution as an actor. He noted that Cena frequently asked how he could improve and approached each day on set with curiosity and discipline.

The two reunited years later on HBO’s Peacemaker, where Cena stars as Christopher Smith and Patrick plays his father, Auggie Smith, also known as White Dragon. Though the character was killed in season one, an alternate version appeared in season two as part of James Gunn’s reimagined DC Universe. Patrick said their shared history added depth to the father-son dynamic, even though Gunn was initially unaware of their earlier collaboration.

Patrick compared Cena’s career trajectory to that of Arnold Schwarzenegger, highlighting how both performers transitioned from physically driven roles into characters that blend action with humor and emotional vulnerability. He added that Cena’s potential now appears “unlimited.”

Critics and audiences have widely praised Cena’s performance in Peacemaker, with both seasons earning strong reviews. With multiple upcoming projects and confirmed future appearances in DCU stories, Cena is increasingly viewed not just as a wrestler-turned-actor, but as a versatile performer in his own right.