When it comes to blending action with comedy, John Cena sees Jackie Chan as the ultimate benchmark. In an exclusive interview with UPI, Cena discussed how Chan’s legacy has influenced his latest film, Jackpot!, which is set to premiere on Prime Video this Thursday.
John Cena’s Tribute to Jackie Chan
In a recent Zoom interview, John Cena shared his admiration for Jackie Chan, calling him the “standard bearer” for action comedy. Cena explained that Chan’s films are renowned for their high-stakes action scenes and inventive choreography, setting a high bar for others in the genre.
- Chan’s Influence: Cena praised Chan’s ability to combine intense physicality with comedic timing, noting how it has inspired his own approach to action comedy.
- Previous Collaboration: Cena and Chan’s dynamic was first seen in their movie Hidden Strike, which was released on Netflix last year.
Inside ‘Jackpot!’: A Comedic Take on High-Stakes Action
In Jackpot!, Cena plays Noel, a private security guard tasked with protecting lottery winner Katie, portrayed by Awkwafina. The film’s premise is as wild as it sounds: California has legalised the murder of lottery winners to claim their winnings. Here’s what makes Jackpot! stand out:
- Unique Plot: The film explores the absurdity of a legal system where winning the lottery comes with a deadly price tag.
- Action Comedy Balance: Cena highlighted the film’s blend of intense fight scenes and comedic elements, aiming to keep the stakes high while delivering laughs.
- Role Reversal: A notable twist in the film is Katie’s role in rescuing Noel, a fresh take on the “damsel in distress” trope.
Challenging the Hero’s Role
John Cena enjoys pushing the boundaries of his character’s physical capabilities. In Jackpot!, he relishes the challenge of playing a hero who is not invincible:
- Fight Scene Innovation: Cena described a memorable scene where Noel, tied to a chair, still manages to fend off attackers, illustrating the film’s creative approach to action sequences.
- Physical Challenges: Cena embraces the idea of having his character face physical disadvantages, adding depth and excitement to the action.
Maintaining Humor Without Compromising Stakes
Cena shared his philosophy on balancing comedy with action:
- Avoiding Overkill: He cautioned against excessive jokes that could undermine the seriousness of the hero’s challenges. Maintaining the balance between humour and high stakes is crucial for an effective action comedy.
- Comic Relief: The film’s humour often comes from unexpected situations, such as yoga students and tourists getting involved in fights, and clever one-liners.
Noel’s Virtuous Role and Humorous Jabs
In addition to action and comedy, Cena’s character in Jackpot! embodies a certain larger-than-life, virtuous quality:
- Character Motivation: Noel is portrayed as a beacon of hope, helping Katie survive her ordeal and using a portion of the lottery winnings to assist others.
- Humorous Elements: Cena also enjoys the playful jabs at his character’s appearance, including a humorous line where Katie compares his face to an ear, a gag reportedly suggested by director Paul Feig.
John Cena’s Other Projects and WWE Career
While Jackpot! is capturing attention, Cena is also busy with other projects:
- ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2: Cena is currently filming the second season of his Max series, Peacemaker, though details are under wraps.
- WWE Wrestling: Cena continues to make waves in WWE, where the immediate feedback from live audiences offers a different kind of thrill compared to film work. He likens the experience to stand-up comedy, where instant reactions can shape performance.
Conclusion
John Cena’s Jackpot! offers a unique blend of action and comedy, inspired by the legendary Jackie Chan. By balancing high-stakes action with clever humour, Cena hopes to deliver an engaging and entertaining film that stands out in the crowded genre of action comedies. With its innovative fight scenes and a refreshing take on the “hero” trope, Jackpot! is set to be a must-watch when it premieres on Prime Video.
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