
John Cena on playing Ferdinand the Bull

John Cena on playing Ferdinand the Bull
Where to Watch John Cena on playing Ferdinand the Bull

Ferdinand is a heartwarming and comical animated film which showcases the vocal talents of professional wrestler John Cena in the lead role. Released in 2017, Cena brings to life the character of Ferdinand - a formidable but gentle bull who dances to his own unique rhythm in a world where he's expected to be the strongest, most aggressive bull.
Ferdinand is set against the vibrant backdrop of rural Spain and is based on the classic 1936 children's book 'The Story of Ferdinand' by Munro Leaf. It tells the enduring story of a gentle beast who would rather smell flowers than engage in bullfights. Cena's voice adds depth and sensitivity to Ferdinand, making the emotion-driven storyline more engaging and impactful to viewers.
As Cena lends his voice to Ferdinand, he flawlessly narrates the journey of a bull who is misunderstood because of his large size. The world sees Ferdinand as a fearsome creature, completely dismissing his kind and peaceful nature. Rather than fighting, Ferdinand enjoys the simpler things of life - smelling flowers, enjoying his surroundings, and spending time with his friends. The film combines this storyline with memorable characters, top-notch animation, and a captivating script which Cena perfectly executes.
Using satire and humor, the film cleverly presents the traditional world of bullfighting. However, at its heart, Ferdinand is about breaking free from societal expectations and standards. The film explores various themes such as friendship, courage, and non-conformity. Cena's portrayal of Ferdinand is equally captivating and hilarious, ensuring that the audience stays engaged while subtly digesting the film's deeper messages.
Along the way, Ferdinand, voiced by Cena, meets several characters that enrich his journey. Characters like Lupe, a calming goat voiced by Kate McKinnon, and a trio of mischievous hedgehogs help Ferdinand navigate through the world that often misunderstood him. While battling stereotypes, it's these friendships that eventually help Ferdinand in his quest for acceptance.
John Cena’s vocal performance as Ferdinand is remarkable. Known for his charisma and larger-than-life persona in the ring, Cena seamlessly transposes these traits to his animated character, giving viewers an Ferdinand they can connect with and root for. His warm, resonant voice brings a gentle, likable quality to the character while his perfect comic timing keeps the laughter flowing throughout the film.
Beyond humor and adventure, Ferdinand carries a timeless, universally-resonating message. Through Cena's interpretation of Ferdinand’s kindness and tolerance, audiences of all ages are reminded that it is always acceptable to be different. The film highlights the significance of embracing individuality and staying true to oneself regardless of societal pressures.
The blending of professional animation with Cena's exceptional voice acting skills makes for an entertaining watch. His stellar performance and the imaginative storytelling of the movie create a memorable animated experience. Cena's ability to convey the film's underlying messages without forfeiting its entertainment factor might just mean that Ferdinand, despite being an animated film, is more than just a children's movie. It's a narrative everyone can learn from, appreciate and enjoy.
Ferdinand is a vibrant and engaging movie that challenges the status quo and champions the power of individuality, attributes Cena is known for in his wrestling career. In playing Ferdinand, Cena not only showcases his versatile talent but also brings to light the endearing tale of a bull whose strength is not in his physical power, but in his gentle heart.
The film's vibrant characters, coupled with Cena's nuanced performance and the compelling storyline, ensures Ferdinand lives up to its hype. As a family-friendly film imbued with laughter, adventure, and an inspiring message, Ferdinand beautifully demonstrates that it's okay to dance to the beat of your own drum, and being different doesn't mean you're less.
