As a film buff, I’ve always been fascinated by wrestlers who transition to acting, and it makes total sense why they often succeed. The wrestling ring is basically an incredibly intense performance school. These performers spend years becoming masters of physical storytelling – how to tell a story and evoke emotion through action, all while building a character and connecting with a live crowd, even when that crowd is actively against them! That constant need to read a room and understand how your performance is landing really sharpens your instincts about timing and how things will look – almost like an intuitive understanding of camera angles. It prepares them incredibly well for the technical side of filmmaking. It’s a shame, though, that for a long time, the industry often typecast them in simple action roles, focusing more on their bodies than their actual acting ability.
For a long time, people expected wrestlers who became actors to rely on their physical strength. But this actor has broken that pattern. Now, success comes from showing versatility, good comedic skills, and the ability to create believable characters in well-respected films. Here are seven movies that showcase some of their most memorable performances and helped establish them as a truly talented actor.
7) Moana (Dwayne Johnson)
By 2016, Dwayne Johnson was best known for his roles in action movies, especially as Luke Hobbs in the hugely successful *Fast & Furious* series. Choosing him to voice Maui was a big risk, as it meant moving away from relying on his physical presence. The studio wanted to see if his natural charm could carry a Disney animated musical on its own. Luckily, the story’s roots in Polynesian mythology proved to be a smart move. This connection to his Samoan heritage gave the project genuine cultural credibility, turning a typical voice acting job into something deeply personal for Johnson and a unique way to promote the film.
As a critic, I have to say the way this film *performed* – especially the music – proved a big risk paid off. Seeing Dwayne Johnson sing Lin-Manuel Miranda’s ‘You’re Welcome’ was a revelation; it showcased a singing talent we hadn’t known he possessed, and instantly made him appealing to a much wider, family-friendly audience. The film itself earned over $680 million worldwide, and that song went multi-platinum, solidifying his ability to dominate the family entertainment market. Honestly, it completely changed his career. It opened the door for him to star in those huge, family-focused blockbusters like the new *Jumanji* films, and it’s clear this was the turning point.
6) Dune (Dave Bautista)
Let me tell you, Dave Bautista’s turn as the menacing Glossu Rabban in *Dune* wasn’t a surprise to me, or to Denis Villeneuve, for that matter. It stemmed directly from their previous work together on *Blade Runner 2049*. Bautista really fought for that smaller role of Sapper Morton – he wanted to work with a director of Villeneuve’s caliber and show everyone he could do more than just action. And it paid off! Villeneuve was clearly impressed with his commitment and range. So, when it came time to cast the brutal Rabban, Villeneuve already knew Bautista had the chops and dedication to deliver a truly powerful performance. It was a smart move, and Bautista absolutely nailed it.
By willingly taking a supporting role, Bautista proved he prioritized good projects over being the star. The part demanded he shed his usual charming image and become a raw, furious character. This successful pairing with the director further established him as a dependable and adaptable actor, guaranteeing his involvement in creatively ambitious films and setting the stage for a thriving career beyond his work in superhero movies.
5) The Suicide Squad (John Cena)
John Cena’s performance as Peacemaker in *The Suicide Squad* was a turning point in his career, and came about unexpectedly. Director James Gunn originally wrote the part for Dave Bautista, but when Bautista couldn’t commit due to other projects, Cena stepped in. He completely surprised audiences, proving he could do far more than just broad comedy, as seen in films like *Blockers* and *Trainwreck*. Cena brilliantly used his strong, all-American image to create a character who was both funny and disturbing, because of his extreme and unwavering dedication to peace.
John Cena’s performance was a huge success, changing the story of the film and the future of the DC franchise. Director James Gunn was so impressed with the layers Cena brought to the character that he created the popular HBO Max series *Peacemaker*, delving deeper into the character’s difficult past. This role proved to be a turning point for Cena, establishing him as a leading actor capable of both comedy and complex character work, and making him a key figure in the revamped DC Universe.
4) Blade Runner 2049 (Dave Bautista)
Dave Bautista truly established himself as a serious actor with his memorable, though small, role as Sapper Morton in *Blade Runner 2049*. Director Denis Villeneuve initially thought Bautista was too young for the part, but Bautista proved him wrong through dedicated makeup tests, demonstrating his ability to portray the character’s age and weariness. He showed his commitment to quality work by choosing this smaller role in a challenging, nearly three-hour film over a bigger part in a more mainstream movie.
Dave Bautista’s performance, though brief, immediately sets the film’s somber and thoughtful mood. He communicates a lifetime of experiences – hardship, amazement, and quiet strength – with very little speaking, primarily through the weariness in his expression. It’s a remarkably subtle performance, creating a character we deeply sympathize with, making his eventual death both heartbreaking and essential to the film’s message. This role truly defined his career, proving he’s far more than just a wrestler turned actor.
3) They Live (Roddy Piper)
Roddy Piper’s starring role as Nada in John Carpenter’s *They Live* is a unique example of how a wrestler’s established image directly contributed to a film’s success. Carpenter, a fan of wrestling, specifically chose Piper after seeing his rebellious and charismatic energy at WrestleMania III. The film needed a lead actor who convincingly portrayed someone outside and against the system, and Piper, known for being a provocative and outspoken performer, was ideal for the part, bringing authentic credibility to the role.
Watching Roddy Piper in *They Live* felt like seeing his wrestling persona come to life on screen. The most famous part, that line about chewing bubblegum and kicking ass? He completely made that up on the spot! It came straight from his years of doing those amazing, unscripted promos in wrestling – it just *felt* real. That authenticity is why it’s stuck with so many people. That role really defined his career, turning him into the face of a classic movie and a true icon of films that challenge the status quo.
2) Guardians of the Galaxy (Dave Bautista)
Dave Bautista’s role as Drax the Destroyer was a turning point in his career, coming at a time when he was struggling financially and professionally. He’d taken a big gamble by leaving a successful wrestling career to become an actor, but faced years of disappointment. When he auditioned for Drax, he was desperate for a break, and his distinctive take on the character impressed director James Gunn. Bautista was able to reveal the hidden sadness and humor beneath Drax’s tough exterior – a subtlety that other actors hadn’t captured.
The film really took off thanks to this complex characterization. Dave Bautista’s perfectly dry delivery of Drax’s straightforward lines quickly made him a comedic favorite. However, what truly made his performance stand out was the way he balanced the humor with the deep sadness of a man who had lost everything, unexpectedly making Drax the emotional center of the series. This role dramatically changed Bautista’s career, turning him from someone struggling to find work after wrestling into a well-known and respected actor worldwide.
1) The Princess Bride (André the Giant)
André the Giant’s performance as Fezzik in *The Princess Bride* is unforgettable, especially considering the immense pain he was in during filming. He suffered from acromegaly and had recently undergone back surgery, leaving him constantly in pain and unable to support his own weight. To manage this, the filmmakers used hidden wires and ramps to help him move, and a stunt double performed even basic actions like walking.
Even though André faced significant physical challenges, his performance was full of kindness and a gentle spirit, becoming the emotional center of the film. Director Rob Reiner chose him specifically for this natural quality, recognizing that André’s genuine warmth was the essence of his character, Fezzik. With the support of a loving cast and crew, André’s true personality shone through his pain. This performance went far beyond his wrestling career, making him a cherished character in a classic movie and solidifying his lasting legacy.
What other films featuring a WWE superstar do you think should be included? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!
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2025-10-12 20:13