Freelance: A Box Office Flop that Found New Success on Netflix

Freelance, an action comedy released in 2023, was not only poorly received by critics but also a box office flop. However, since its recent streaming release on Netflix, it has found a second chance at success, proving that not all films need the theatrical treatment to find success. On Netflix, Freelance sat at #3 on the Top 10 Movies in the United States on August 3, 2023, between My Oxford Year and Kpop Demon Hunters. This feature follows Mason Pettits, a former special forces operative, played by John Cena, who lands a job that he hates. Mason’s life changes when he’s offered a high-paying private security job for journalist, Claire Wellington, played by Alison Brie, who’s traveling to the fictional South American country of Paldonia to interview its president, Juan Venegas, played by Juan Pablo Raba. Despite its 10% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, Freelance was well-received by audiences, earning an average score of 78%. This suggests that the film’s success lies not with its critical reception but with its ability to connect with viewers. The film’s poor performance at the box office can be attributed to its high budget of $40 million, which was not matched by its earnings of over $10 million. This indicates that the film’s production costs were not accurately predicted, or the marketing strategy was unsuccessful. John Cena’s Acting Career

Before becoming an actor, John Cena’s career started in wrestling. He participated in Ultimate Pro Wrestling events and later moved on to WWE in 2002, where he became a fan favorite and a WWE Champion. In 2024, Cena announced his plans to retire from wrestling, with plans to leave the ring by the end of 2025. However, he made a shocking heel turn in March 2025, leaving fans stunned. Cena’s jump to Hollywood began in 2006, when he starred in the film The Marine. Since then, he has appeared in numerous projects, including Daddy’s Home and its sequel, Bumblebee, Dolittle, Fast X, Barbie, Jackpot!, and The Bear, among many others. He has also made guest appearances in TV shows like Hannah Montana, Parks and Recreation, and The Simpsons. DC’s 2021 feature, The Suicide Squad, marked Cena’s debut in the DC Universe, where he played Christopher Smith, aka Peacemaker. Since then, he has returned to star in the Peacemaker series, which is set to release its second season this month. Cena has expressed interest in entering the MCU, stating that he would only participate if he could interact with Marvel heroes as his DC character. Crossover Potential in the DCU and MCU

Cena believes that both Marvel and DC should allow their characters to crossover and “shake hands” with each other, allowing for more creativity and storytelling potential. He thinks that this would be beneficial for the franchises, as it would provide new opportunities for characters to interact and create new storylines. Freelance is now available to stream on Netflix, offering viewers a chance to experience the film’s unique blend of action, comedy, and drama. **Box Office Performance**

| Film Title | Budget | Box Office Earnings |

| — | — | — |

| Freelance | $40 million | $10 million |

**Awards and Reception**

| — | — | — | — | — |

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**John Cena’s Career Highlights**

Ultimate Pro Wrestling events
WWE Champion
The Marine (2006)
Daddy’s Home (2015)
The Bear (2022)
The Suicide Squad (2021)
Peacemaker series (2022)

**Crossover Potential**

“I think both Marvel and DC should allow their characters to crossover and’shake hands’ with each other. It would be beneficial for the franchises, as it would provide new opportunities for characters to interact and create new storylines.” – John Cena

**Freelance on Netflix**

Freelance is now available to stream on Netflix, offering viewers a chance to experience the film’s unique blend of action, comedy, and drama. With its surprising success on the streaming platform, Freelance proves that not all films need the theatrical treatment to find success.