John Cena challenged the guidance of his agency to secure a role in Greta Gerwig's "Barbie", a move that paid off as the film became the biggest movie of 2023 and garnered eight Oscar nominations. Despite concerns from his manager about taking smaller roles, Cena's persistence and connection with Margot Robbie, who stars in and produces the film, led to him portraying a mermaid in a single scene.

In an interview on The Howard Stern Show, Cena expressed his belief that every opportunity is worth considering, regardless of its size. Despite being in the middle of production on "Fast X" at the time, Cena made time to be a part of "Barbie" after discussing it with Robbie. The agency originally felt the role was beneath Cena, but ultimately supported his decision to take it upon his persistence.

Cena's stint as a mermaid in "Barbie" proved fruitful as the film picked up eight Oscar nominations in various categories, showcasing the actor's ability to turn a minor role into a valuable opportunity. The success of the film showcased Cena's philosophy that good work leads to further chances in the industry.