‘Pluribus’ Creator Reveals Why John Cena’s Surprise Cameo Was Perfect: “He’s Just the Coolest Guy”
John Cena may be days away from his final WWE match and juggling a packed Hollywood schedule, but he still found time to surprise fans with a standout cameo in Apple TV’s hit new sci-fi series “Pluribus.”
The episode that dropped last week features Cena delivering a gripping three-minute monologue that breaks down one of the show’s wildest twists. In the story, humanity learns that the alien hivemind ruling Earth survives by consuming human remains. It’s a disturbing reveal—but Cena shows up as the voice of the hivemind and somehow makes the entire idea sound… well… surprisingly reasonable.
Why Cena?
Speaking to Deadline, creator Vince Gilligan—known for “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul”—explained exactly why he wanted Cena for this bizarre but crucial moment.
“Who better than John Cena to make the idea of eating human flesh sound palatable?” Gilligan joked.
“He’s one of the busiest guys in the world, and yet he still said yes. He was just the coolest guy.”
Gilligan said the team wanted someone who would instantly delight viewers when he appeared on screen—someone who feels trustworthy, likable, and charismatic enough to explain the most outrageous plot twist with a straight face.
“Everything he does makes you like him. You think, ‘I’d love to have a beer with that guy.’ So why shouldn’t he be the person who explains why humanity is now living off protein from human bodies?”
Gilligan added that Cena delivered the speech so naturally, it actually made sense, which was exactly the quirky tone they were aiming for.
As Cena’s acting star rises, WWE chapter closes
Cena’s cameo comes at a major turning point in his life. He’s now just days away from stepping into a WWE ring for the final time. On December 13, he faces Gunther at Saturday Night’s Main Event in what will be his official retirement match.
Cena’s future belongs to Hollywood—from blockbuster roles to unique projects like “Pluribus”—but he isn’t leaving WWE behind completely. He’ll continue with the company as an ambassador, even after hanging up the boots.
