John Cena Starring ‘Suicide Squad’ Spinoff Coming to HBO Max

By Greta Bjornson @greatbjornson
Published Sep. 23, 2020, 1:09 p.m. ET

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Everyone, meet the “douchey” version of Captain America. HBO Max is digging into the origin story of Peacemaker, The Suicide Squad’s master of weapons and seeker of peace, no matter the cost. The streaming platform revealed today that they’re developing a brand-new series all about the character, who is portrayed by John Cena in the newly-announced show and upcoming film.

While specifics about the new series are still under wraps, we do know a few key details. For one, HBO Max has ordered an eight-episode first season of the show, and Suicide Squad director James Gunn has signed on to write every episode and direct a few, too, including the pilot. Gunn is teaming up with his Suicide Squad producer, Peter Safran, for the project, and both will act as executive producers on Peacemaker, with Cena listed as co-executive producer.

“I have said before that it has been a tremendous honor and an incredible opportunity to be part of The Suicide Squad and to work with James on what is going to be a fantastic movie,” Cena said in a statement. “I am unbelievably excited to have the chance to team up with him again for Peacemaker. We can’t wait for fans to see this.”

Gunn has been involved with multiple Marvel productions, but his Peacemaker series marks a step closer into the DC universe for the director. He’s previously worked on two Guardians of the Galaxy films, writing and directing both the 2014 film and the 2017 installment, and executive produced two Avengers films.

“Peacemaker is an opportunity to delve into current world issues through the lens of this superhero/supervillain/and world’s biggest douchebag,” Gunn said in a statement. “I’m excited to expand The Suicide Squad and bring this character from the DC film universe to the full breadth of a series. And of course, to be able to work again with John, Peter, and my friends at Warner Bros. is the icing on the cake.”

Peacemaker is an extension of the world created in Gunn’s Suicide Squad film, which is currently slated for an Aug. 6, 2021 release in theaters. Production on the series will begin early next year, before Gunn begins working on his next Guardians of the Galaxy film.