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Awkwafina flexes her action muscles in ‘Jackpot!’ (Exclusive)
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Awkwafina flexes her action muscles in ‘Jackpot!’ (Exclusive)

John Cena is honored to share the stage with Awkwafina in her new film Jackpot!

The 47-year-old former wrestler and actor told PEOPLE exclusively at the film’s premiere in Los Angeles on Tuesday, August 13, that he was “so happy” that Awkwafina, 36, “chose me to be in this movie with her and that everything worked out.”

“She’s a fantastic talent,” he praised. “I don’t like to push anyone into a certain lane because I think we’re all capable of something more. I’m glad she flexed her action muscles here.”

Director: Paul Feig, Jackpot! Set in “the near future,” the film follows Awkwafina’s Katie Kim as she “accidentally wins the winning ticket” of a new “major lottery” in California, according to an official synopsis.

“The catch: Kill the winner before sunset to legally claim his multi-billion dollar jackpot,” it says.

John Cena as Noel and Awkwafina as Katie in “Jackpot!”

Daniel McFadden/AMAZON MGM STUDIOS


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The synopsis continues: “In her desperate attempt to escape the hordes of jackpot hunters, (Katie) reluctantly teams up with amateur lottery protection agent Noel Cassidy (Cena), who will do everything in his power to get her to sunset in exchange for a share of her winnings.”

“However, Noel has to deal with his cunning rival Louis Lewis (Simu Liu), who also wants to pocket Katie’s commission at any cost,” it concludes.

From left: Simu Liu, Awkwafina, Paul Feig and John Cena at the premiere of Jackpot! in Los Angeles on August 13, 2024.

Alberto Rodriguez/Variety via Getty


Speaking to PEOPLE at the premiere, Awkwafina (real name Nora Lum) said about Jackpot!“I find it very interesting that it is set in 2030, in Hollywood and is described as a kind of dystopia.”

“I think it basically shows a world where people are a little bit greedier than they already are, you know what I mean?” she explained. “And there’s a kind of lawlessness.”

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Regarding her action scenes, the actress admitted: “I did more than I thought I would.”

“But at some point, because you trust (everyone on) your team and everyone around you, it feels like you’re at Six Flags or something. It’s fun,” Awkwafina said.

And her appreciation for working with Cena reflects his own appreciation for her.

“I loved everything about it,” she told PEOPLE. “He’s such a cool guy. He’s so smart and he was really a perfect scene partner for an action movie because he’s so concerned about safety. And yeah, he’s an all-around good guy.”

Jackpot! will stream on Prime Video on Thursday, August 15th.

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