Before John Cena returns to the DCU as Peacemaker this August, fans are tuning in to this action comedy that was not only poorly received by critics but was also a box office flop. Freelance was first released in 2023, and since its recent streaming release, it has found a second chance at success on Netflix, proving that not all films need the theatrical treatment to find success.

According to FlixPatrol, Freelance sat at #3 on Netflix’s Top 10 Movies in the United States on August 3, 2023, sitting between My Oxford Year and Kpop Demon Hunters. This feature follows Cena’s character, Mason Pettits, a former special forces operative who lands a job that he hates. Things change when he’s offered a high-paying private security job for journalist, Claire Wellington (Alison Brie) who’s traveling to the fictional South American country of Paldonia to interview its president, Juan Venegas (Juan Pablo Raba). Since its release, Freelance has been a box office flop. It only earned over $10 million at the box office, which is well below its reported $40 million budget. But despite its 10% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, Freelance was well-received by audiences, earning an average score of 78%.

John Cena’s Acting Career, Explained

Before he became an actor, Cena’s career started in wrestling. He participated in Ultimate Pro Wrestling events before moving on to WWE in 2002, and from there, he became a fan favorite and a WWE Champion. In 2024, Cena announced his plans to retire from wrestling, with plans to leave the ring by the end of 2025. Back in March 2025, he made the most shocking heel turn that took everyone by surprise.

Cena’s jump to Hollywood began in 2006, when he starred in the film The Marine. Since then, he has appeared in multiple projects, such as Daddy’s Home and its sequel, Bumblebee, Dolittle, Fast X, Barbie, Jackpot!, and The Bear, among many others. He also played himself in shows like Hannah Montana, Parks and Recreation, and The Simpsons.

DC’s 2021 feature, The Suicide Squad, was when Cena made his DCU debut, playing Christopher Smith, aka Peacemaker. Since then, he has returned to star in the Peacemaker series, which is about to release its second season this month, and made a small cameo in James Gunn‘s Superman. Cena has expressed interest in entering the MCU during FanExpo, stating that he would, but only if he interacts with the heroes from the rival franchise as his DC character. He believes both Marvel and DC should allow their characters to crossover and “shake hands” with each other, as it allows for more creativity and storytelling potential.

Freelance is available to stream on Netflix.

Source: FlixPatrol