From sports to cinema: Athletes who moved to the big screen

From stadiums to the set

From stadiums to the set, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson – Wrestling (WWE), Arnold Schwarzenegger – Bodybuilding, Ronda Rousey – Mixed Martial Arts (UFC), Jason Statham – Diving, Gina Carano – Mixed Martial Arts, John Cena – Wrestling (WWE), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – Basketball (NBA), Eric Cantona – Soccer (Manchester United), Esther Williams – Synchronized Swimming

Some started with cameos and ended up as protagonists of blockbuster hits. Others retired from sports to fully embrace acting without looking back. This gallery reviews ten athletes who managed to switch the sweat of the gym for the glamour of Hollywood, with varying degrees of success.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson – Wrestling (WWE)

From stadiums to the set, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson – Wrestling (WWE), Arnold Schwarzenegger – Bodybuilding, Ronda Rousey – Mixed Martial Arts (UFC), Jason Statham – Diving, Gina Carano – Mixed Martial Arts, John Cena – Wrestling (WWE), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – Basketball (NBA), Eric Cantona – Soccer (Manchester United), Esther Williams – Synchronized Swimming

He was a WWE World Champion before reigning at the box office. His notable films include 'Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle', 'Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw', and 'Central Intelligence'.

Arnold Schwarzenegger – Bodybuilding

From stadiums to the set, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson – Wrestling (WWE), Arnold Schwarzenegger – Bodybuilding, Ronda Rousey – Mixed Martial Arts (UFC), Jason Statham – Diving, Gina Carano – Mixed Martial Arts, John Cena – Wrestling (WWE), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – Basketball (NBA), Eric Cantona – Soccer (Manchester United), Esther Williams – Synchronized Swimming

After becoming Mr. Olympia seven times, he starred in 'Conan the Barbarian', 'Predator', and, of course, 'Terminator'. A body of steel and a political career to boot.

Ronda Rousey – Mixed Martial Arts (UFC)

From stadiums to the set, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson – Wrestling (WWE), Arnold Schwarzenegger – Bodybuilding, Ronda Rousey – Mixed Martial Arts (UFC), Jason Statham – Diving, Gina Carano – Mixed Martial Arts, John Cena – Wrestling (WWE), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – Basketball (NBA), Eric Cantona – Soccer (Manchester United), Esther Williams – Synchronized Swimming

The first female UFC Bantamweight champion appeared in 'Fast & Furious 7', 'The Expendables 3', and the series '911'.

Jason Statham – Diving

From stadiums to the set, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson – Wrestling (WWE), Arnold Schwarzenegger – Bodybuilding, Ronda Rousey – Mixed Martial Arts (UFC), Jason Statham – Diving, Gina Carano – Mixed Martial Arts, John Cena – Wrestling (WWE), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – Basketball (NBA), Eric Cantona – Soccer (Manchester United), Esther Williams – Synchronized Swimming

He was part of the British national diving team before starring in 'The Transporter', 'The Mechanic', and 'The Meg'. He swam towards success, quite literally.

Gina Carano – Mixed Martial Arts

From stadiums to the set, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson – Wrestling (WWE), Arnold Schwarzenegger – Bodybuilding, Ronda Rousey – Mixed Martial Arts (UFC), Jason Statham – Diving, Gina Carano – Mixed Martial Arts, John Cena – Wrestling (WWE), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – Basketball (NBA), Eric Cantona – Soccer (Manchester United), Esther Williams – Synchronized Swimming

Former star of Strikeforce (MMA), she jumped to 'Haywire', 'Fast & Furious 6', and 'The Mandalorian'. She was later cancelled by Twitter, but that's another story.

John Cena – Wrestling (WWE)

From stadiums to the set, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson – Wrestling (WWE), Arnold Schwarzenegger – Bodybuilding, Ronda Rousey – Mixed Martial Arts (UFC), Jason Statham – Diving, Gina Carano – Mixed Martial Arts, John Cena – Wrestling (WWE), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – Basketball (NBA), Eric Cantona – Soccer (Manchester United), Esther Williams – Synchronized Swimming

From the ring to comedy and action: 'The Suicide Squad', 'Bumblebee', and 'Trainwreck'. As muscular as he is, surprisingly charming.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – Basketball (NBA)

From stadiums to the set, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson – Wrestling (WWE), Arnold Schwarzenegger – Bodybuilding, Ronda Rousey – Mixed Martial Arts (UFC), Jason Statham – Diving, Gina Carano – Mixed Martial Arts, John Cena – Wrestling (WWE), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – Basketball (NBA), Eric Cantona – Soccer (Manchester United), Esther Williams – Synchronized Swimming

Lakers legend and glorious cameo in 'Airplane!'. Also appeared in 'Game of Death' with Bruce Lee.

Eric Cantona – Soccer (Manchester United)

From stadiums to the set, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson – Wrestling (WWE), Arnold Schwarzenegger – Bodybuilding, Ronda Rousey – Mixed Martial Arts (UFC), Jason Statham – Diving, Gina Carano – Mixed Martial Arts, John Cena – Wrestling (WWE), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – Basketball (NBA), Eric Cantona – Soccer (Manchester United), Esther Williams – Synchronized Swimming

Temperamental soccer genius who became a serious actor. He starred in 'Looking for Eric' and appeared in 'Elizabeth' and 'Happiness Never Comes Alone'.

Esther Williams – Synchronized Swimming

From stadiums to the set, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson – Wrestling (WWE), Arnold Schwarzenegger – Bodybuilding, Ronda Rousey – Mixed Martial Arts (UFC), Jason Statham – Diving, Gina Carano – Mixed Martial Arts, John Cena – Wrestling (WWE), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – Basketball (NBA), Eric Cantona – Soccer (Manchester United), Esther Williams – Synchronized Swimming

National swimming champion, she became an icon of aquatic cinema with 'Bathing Beauty' and 'Neptune’s Daughter'. Style and choreography under water.

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