John Cena has officially signed on to join the cast of Fast & Furious 9 ahead of the start of principal photography later this month.
Universal confirmed Cena's involvement. Although specifics of the former professional wrestler's are being kept under wraps, he'll be portraying a character described as "a badass." Otherwise, nothing else about his role has been disclosed.
Vin Diesel claimed in an Instagram video in April that Cena would join the cast of the upcoming sequel in an undisclosed role, with the latter also appearing in the former's video. However, the studio had not yet confirmed the casting. Transitioning from professional wrestling to higher profile film roles, Cena had a major role in this past December's Bumblebee and is in talks to join the cast of James Gunn's upcoming Suicide Squad film.
Hobbs & Shaw star and fellow former wrestler Dwayne Johnson is not expected to appear in the Fast & Furious sequel.
Fast & Furious 9 will be helmed by Justin Lin, who directed the third, fourth, fifth and sixth entries in the Fast & Furious franchise. Fast & Furious 9 is slated for a May 22, 2020 release.
(via Deadline)