John Cena, who has played Christopher Smith aka Peacemaker since the 2021 DC Extended Universe film ‘The Suicide Squad’, recently revealed that director James Gunn broke a major rule by giving the character his own spin-off series on HBO Max. As the Peacemaker TV series enters its second season, Cena explained that this spin-off might never have happened if Gunn had not changed his approach.
The Suicide Squad featured a high number of character deaths, with many dying early in the film and others throughout the violent, R-rated story. Cena’s character appeared to have died, but a post-credits scene showed he survived and was in a hospital, setting up the Peacemaker TV series. Gunn usually did not like to bring back characters who were killed, but he made an exception for Peacemaker.
At Fan Expo Denver, Cena discussed why Gunn made this change. Gunn was not initially planning to cast Cena for Peacemaker. Cena recalled, “James didn’t have me in mind at first. And then he killed me in The Suicide Squad.” However, they enjoyed working together so much that Gunn broke his own rule and brought Cena back. Cena said, “For someone to expect very little out of me and choose me last, and for me to make such an impression on such a brilliant creative mind that he breaks a cardinal rule that he has, and for us to go on to do good work together and develop a great friendship, man, that’s one hell of a day at the office.”
After more than three years away from the screen, Peacemaker’s second season premiered in the United States on August 21, 2025, on HBO Max, and the following day in the United Kingdom and Europe on Sky Max and NOW. The season includes eight episodes that will release weekly until October. The new season promises intense action, as suggested by the latest trailer.
Initial reviews for Peacemaker season two have been very positive. The season holds a 97 to 98 percent critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, making it one of the highest-rated DC projects to date. Critics overall have praised the story for being stronger than the first season. John Cena’s performance has been noted for adding depth as his character struggles to find his place in the world and the multiverse.
James Gunn continues to lead the series and remains an important figure in DC Studios. The show has been integrated into the new DC Universe, expanding on events after the 2025 Superman film. The series features a wider cast and maintains a blend of violent action and dark humor established in its first season. Fans and critics alike appear to be enjoying it so far.
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