John Cena Is Back With James Gunn

John Cena Is Back with James Gunn

DRRA May 9, 2025

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John Cena is strapping in again as subversive, sarcastic, and downright silly superhero Peacemaker for the long-awaited second season of the eponymous Max series.

“Peacemaker” Season 2 once again follows Christopher “Chris” Smith (Cena), aka vigilante superhero Peacemaker. This time, per the streamer, “he struggles to reconcile his past with his newfound sense of purpose while continuing to kick righteous evil-doer butt in his misguided quest for peace at any cost.” Danielle Brooks, Jennifer Holland, Freddie Stroma, Steve Agee, and Robert Patrick reprise their roles, with Frank Grillo, David Denman, Sol Rodriguez, and Tim Meadows joining the cast. The series first debuted in 2022.

Close up of António Félix da Costa sitting in the cockpit of his Porsche Formula E car and giving a thumbs up in 'Formula E: Driver'

James Gunn wrote all eight episodes of “Peacemaker” Season 2 and directs three episodes, including the premiere. Greg Mottola, Peter Sollett, and Alethea Jones also take on directing duties. Gunn, Peter Safran, and Cena serve as executive producers.

“Peacemaker” is a Max Original series from DC Studios and Warner Bros. Television, created for television by Gunn, who now co-leads DC Studios at Warne Bros. Discovery with Safran. The series is based on characters from DC, and is produced by Gunn’s Troll Court Entertainment and The Safran Company in association with Warner Bros. Television.

“Peacemaker” first debuted in 2022, and survived the DC shakeups amid the Warner Bros. Discovery merger. The season finale included “Justice League” cameos from Jason Momoa as Aquaman and Ezra Miller as The Flash. With DC rebooted with the new “Superman” film coming this summer from director Gunn, “Peacemaker” may bridge the gap between the comic book iterations.

The IndieWire review for “Peacemaker” Season 1 praised how the series “follows the beat of its own drum” for a fresh take on the DC franchise. “Gunn’s creative nonchalance paired with his unique ability to tune into Peacemaker’s musical frequency makes for a propulsive first few episodes, and carries on long enough to leave you curious how it all shakes out,” the review reads. “When you first lay eyes on the title sequence’s choreographed dance routine (set to Wig Wam’s infectious ‘Do You Wanna Taste It?’), you may be more befuddled than impressed. But by the seventh episode, you’ll be out of your seat, swinging your arms like they’re on hinges, trying to memorize every step.”

“Peacemaker” Season 2 premieres August 21 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on Max. Check out the teaser below.