'Peacemaker': 5 things to know about DC spin-off series starring John Cena

The series follows the origins of Peacemaker who believes in achieving peace at any cost
John Cena in a still from 'Peacemaker' (HBO Max)
John Cena in a still from 'Peacemaker' (HBO Max)

John Cena's Peacemaker was one of the new introductions in James Gunn's 2021 film 'The Suicide Squad'. The director began working on a spin-off series and completed writing the eight episodes while working on the movie. The series follows the origins of Peacemaker who believes in achieving peace at any cost. Cena reprises his role from the movie and the early critic reviews were mostly positive.  The Hollywood Reporter labeled the series as "as equally interested in provoking giggles at exploding heads or dick jokes as it is in wringing tears for its poor tragic weirdos."

Gunn also directed five of the episodes and the spin-off is the first DC content to release in 2022. The trailer sees some trademark Gunn style — a perfect blend of action and comedy, and not to mention, some explicit language to boot. Ahead of the series' release, here's everything you need to know.

RELATED ARTICLES

Who dies in 'The Suicide Squad'? Here are all the shocking deaths in the DC movie

'The Suicide Squad': Fans call James Gunn's movie 'violent, entertaining and full of heart'

When does 'Peacemaker' release?

'Peacemaker' is set to release January 13, 2022, on HBO Max. The show drops three episodes on the day followed by one new episode every week until February 17.

What is the DC spin-off all about?

The official synopsis reads, "Peacemaker is a live-action series that follows Christopher Smith AKA Peacemaker, an extremist murderer who believes he's on a quest for peace, killing anyone and everyone to achieve his ultimate goal."

Who stars in it?

John Cena (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

John Cena reprises his role as Christopher Smith/Peacemaker. Joining him is Steve Agee as John Economos, Danielle Brooks as Leota Adebayo, Robert Patrick as Auggie Smith, Jennifer Holland as Agent Emilia Harcourt, 
Freddie Stroma as Adrian Chase/Vigilante, and Chukwudi Iwuji as Clemson Murn. The recurring cast includes Lochlyn Munro as Larry Fitzgibbon,  Annie Chang as Detective Sophie Song, and Christopher Heyerdahl as Captain Locke.

Showrunner

James Gunn wrote and directed five episodes of the show. He also executive produces the show alongside Peter Safran and Matt Miller.

Trailer



 

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

James Denton reunites with Reba McEntire as Bobbie considers giving romance another chance
2026-11-13T08:12:36.000Z
An unexpected rash turned out to be measles that might have been fatal for one character.
2026-11-13T07:46:24.000Z
Pavi and Nisha will follow separate paths before their journeys bring them back together in Book 2
2026-11-13T04:46:57.000Z
Mariska Hargitay’s reported ‘SVU’ paycheck includes acting and producing, while her estimated wealth reflects a career spanning more than four decades.
2026-11-12T20:43:49.000Z
'Marshals' Season 2 introduces a Texas cowgirl who joins Kayce Dutton at East Camp to help establish an equine therapy program.
2026-11-12T20:24:16.000Z
‘School Spirits’ Season 4 brings back Jennifer Tilly as Deborah Hunter-Price and Milo Manheim as Wally Clark while expanding its cast with four new additions
2026-11-12T20:05:26.000Z
Paul Wesley and Sara Canning reunite for Netflix’s college sports romance ‘Icebreaker,’ years after starring together in ‘The Vampire Diaries.’
2026-11-12T19:40:49.000Z
Peacock’s ‘The Good Daughter’ finale answers questions about the school shooting, Huck’s past and the buried secrets dividing Sam and Charlie’s family.
2026-11-12T16:29:59.000Z
‘Chicago Fire’ star Taylor Kinney shares the date for the franchise’s next crossover, which will bring all three NBC dramas together
2026-11-12T08:52:55.000Z
James Reynolds reveals his Parkinson’s diagnosis and explains why ‘Days of Our Lives’ is bringing it into Abe Carver’s storyline
2026-11-12T08:23:38.000Z