John Cena Teases Why Peacemaker Is Just as Crucial as Superman in the DCU
With the highly anticipated Season 2 of Peacemaker dropping later this month, on HBO Max, John Cena is shedding some light on why this irreverent anti-hero series holds major weight in the future of the DCU. According to Cena, Peacemaker isn't just a side quest anymore. It's now a vital piece of the bigger picture.
The first season of Peacemaker spun out of The Suicide Squad and debuted back in January 2022. But this time around, the story is rooted directly within the newly forming DCU canon, which is being shaped by James Gunn and Peter Safran.
With characters from 2025’s Superman making appearances and Peacemaker himself popping up in that film, the lines connecting these stories are tightening fast.
At the Peacemaker Season 2 premiere, Cena spoke with The Hollywood Reporter about what fans should expect and why this season matters more than ever. When asked how the new season plans to “top” its predecessor, he responded:
“You know what, I don’t think it’s about topping the last one. I think it’s about, especially in the perspective of James [Gunn], and I’m speaking for somebody else now, but I think it’s about furthering the narrative, instead of stand-alone properties.”
That narrative growth is a key strategy in building the DCU into a more cohesive universe. Cena emphasized this, saying:
“So, you saw as Peacemaker show up in Superman, and I think what you see in Season 2 is just a forward of that narrative, that whole DCU through line.”
For fans who’ve followed the journey of Chris Smith and the ragtag 11th Street Kids, it’s exciting to know that their story isn’t just continuing, it’s evolving right alongside the DCU.
“You get to take the 11th Street Kids through their next adventure, but also contribute a lot to the progression of the DCU.”
This furthur strengthens my theory that Peacemaker will be the main player in the DCU that Gunn previously teased. He aid the DCU’s central story thread isn’t tied to its most obvious heroes.
"Yeah, I don't think it's Krypto's story. I think I do know whose story it is, and it probably isn't anyone that anyone would ever expect."
I think DCU’s secret main character might be Peacemaker, the least likely guy to become the big hero. It would be a cool arc for a character who’s become kind of a joke in the DCU.
With a cast that includes Jennifer Holland as Emilia Harcourt, Danielle Brooks as Leota Adebayo, and Freddie Stroma as Adrian Chase / Vigilante, Season 2 is set to keep the character-driven chaos rolling while tying into the larger universe Gunn and Safran are building.
In this new DCU landscape where continuity matters and stories build on each other, Peacemaker Season 2 is being positioned not just as a returning fan-favorite series, but as a key puzzle piece that holds just as much weight as Superman.
Whether you’re in it for the laughs, the action, or to see how it all connects, Peacemaker is back and it's not playing second fiddle to anyone.