John Cena is basically the busiest man in Hollywood who still finds time to get punched in the face for sport. If you’re trying to figure out what movie is john cena filming right now, you’ve probably noticed that the man seems to be in three places at once. He’s wrapping up a historic retirement tour with WWE, appearing in high-budget superhero sequels, and somehow finding weeks to disappear onto film sets in Europe and New Jersey.
Honestly, it’s a lot to keep track of.
Right now, as we move through January 2026, Cena is transitioning from a massive year of filming into a year of major releases. While he spent much of 2025 on camera for multiple projects, his current focus is divided between the final leg of his "Never Seen 17" retirement tour and the post-production promotion of several films he recently wrapped.
The Big One: Little Brother and the Netflix Grind
The project that has been most recently on his "to-do" list is a Netflix comedy called Little Brother. This isn't your standard "Cena hits people with a chair" movie. He’s actually playing the "straight man" in this one, which is a fun pivot.
In Little Brother, Cena stars alongside Eric André. If you know anything about Eric André, you know that placing him next to the disciplined, massive frame of John Cena is a recipe for pure chaos. The plot basically follows a very "by-the-book" guy (Cena) whose life gets absolutely wrecked when his eccentric, mess-of-a-younger-brother (André) crashes back into his life.
Why this project matters
- The Cast: It’s not just Cena and André. We’re talking Michelle Monaghan, Christopher Meloni (who is basically the king of intense comedy), and Saturday Night Live’s Ego Nwodim.
- The Location: Much of the filming took place in New Jersey. Residents in Morris County were spotting Cena at local spots as recently as late 2025.
- The Vibe: It’s directed by Matt Spicer, the guy who did Ingrid Goes West. That means it’s probably going to have a bit more edge and wit than your average slapstick comedy.
Netflix recently confirmed Little Brother is part of their 2026 slate, meaning while the cameras might be cooling down, Cena is likely neck-deep in ADR (automated dialogue replacement) and promotional prep for this right now.
What About the Matchbox Movie?
You might have heard rumors about Cena playing with toy cars. Sorta. He actually wrapped principal photography on Matchbox—a live-action movie based on the Mattel toy line—fairly recently.
This project is a massive deal for Apple Original Films. It’s being directed by Sam Hargrave. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because he’s the mastermind behind the Extraction movies on Netflix. You know, the ones where Chris Hemsworth fights an entire city for two hours?
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With Hargrave at the helm, Matchbox isn't going to be some "kiddy" movie about toy cars. It’s being described as a "globetrotting action adventure." Cena has been filming this in places like Budapest, Hungary, and Slovakia. It’s a huge production with a cast that includes Danai Gurira (Okoye from Black Panther) and Jessica Biel.
The Peacemaker Factor: Season 2 and Beyond
We can't talk about what movie is john cena filming right now without mentioning the helmet.
Peacemaker Season 2 is the project everyone asks about. James Gunn confirmed that Cena wrapped his scenes for the second season toward the end of 2025. The show actually premiered its first episodes in August 2025, with the finale airing in October.
However, because the "DC Universe" (DCU) is now a connected web managed by Gunn, Cena is constantly "on call" for Christopher Smith. Even if he isn't filming a full season of television this second, he’s essentially "in character" for the DCU's upcoming projects. There are heavy rumors about him appearing in the new Superman film (releasing soon in 2025/2026) and potentially laying the groundwork for Peacemaker Season 3.
The Looney Tunes Legal Drama (Yes, Really)
If you follow film news, you know the saga of Coyote vs. Acme. This is the movie that Warner Bros. tried to delete for a tax write-off, sparking a massive internet revolt.
Well, the fans won.
The movie was rescued by Ketchup Entertainment, and it’s officially hitting theaters on August 28, 2026. Cena plays Buddy Crane, the terrifying corporate defense lawyer for the Acme Corporation.
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Think about that for a second. John Cena, in a suit, defending a fictional company against a cartoon coyote.
Since the movie was actually shot a while ago, Cena isn't "filming" it right now, but it’s a huge part of his current professional bandwidth as the marketing machine starts to ramp up for its summer release.
Breaking Down the 2026 John Cena Calendar
It’s easy to get confused with all the "coming soon" trailers on YouTube. Pro tip: Ignore those "Terminator 7" or "Hitman" trailers starring Cena. Those are almost always AI-generated fan concepts.
Here is what is actually real and where it stands:
Little Brother (Netflix)
This is the "right now" project. If he’s on a set this month for pick-ups or reshoots, it’s likely for this. It’s a comedy about two brothers who couldn't be more different.
Matchbox (Apple TV+)
Currently in post-production. Cena plays a character named Sean. Expect heavy CGI and high-octane stunts. It likely won't hit screens until late 2026 or early 2027.
Coyote vs. Acme
Completed. It’s sitting in the vault waiting for its August 28, 2026, release date. Cena’s role as the villainous lawyer is expected to be a career highlight for his comedic timing.
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WWE Retirement Tour
This is his "real life" filming. Every week, he’s on camera for Raw or SmackDown as he winds down his 20-year wrestling career. His final match is scheduled for late 2025/early 2026, which means he is currently living out his final days as an active wrestler while balancing these movie roles.
Why Cena's Schedule is Changing
You've probably noticed Cena is taking fewer "meathead" roles. He’s 48 years old. While he looks like he’s carved out of granite, he’s been vocal about the toll that action movies and wrestling take on his body.
That’s why projects like Little Brother and Coyote vs. Acme are so interesting. He’s leaning into his "funny guy" persona. He’s realized that he can be just as effective as a straight-faced lawyer or a frustrated brother as he can be as a super-soldier.
Working with people like James Gunn and Matt Spicer has given him a level of "indie cred" that most wrestlers-turned-actors never get. He isn't just "the big guy" anymore; he’s a legitimate comedic lead.
What to Watch Next
If you’re looking for your Cena fix while waiting for his new movies to drop, here is the best way to stay updated:
- Check the Netflix "Coming Soon" tab: Little Brother will likely get a teaser trailer by the spring of 2026.
- Follow James Gunn on Threads/Instagram: He is the primary source for anything involving Peacemaker or Cena’s future in the DC Universe.
- Watch the WWE Network: If you want to see him "performing" right now, his retirement tour is the only place to see him live and unscripted.
The era of John Cena as a full-time wrestler is ending, but his era as a dominant Hollywood leading man is just hitting its stride. Whether he’s defending a cartoon corporation or dealing with a chaotic Eric André, 2026 is shaping up to be the year of Cena. Just don't expect to see him—unless he wants you to.