Peacemaker Taking Backseat as James Gunn Builds DCU, John Cena Says

John Cena said Peacemaker is taking a back seat as James Gunn focuses on building out the DCU with characters like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman.

The wrestler-turned-actor behind the Suicide Squad anti-hero opened up about the character’s future during an interview on Happy, Sad, Confused. He said he’s far from hung up Chris Smith’s iconic metal helmet, but as for when he’ll return as fans await Peacemaker Season 2, he can’t say much.

“No,” Cena said when asked if he’s been in costume since the last episodes of his HBO show premiered in October of last year. “When I put that helmet on, I told James, I’m like, ‘Dude, I’ll put this helmet on as long as you need me to. He makes me a better performer, so I love being around him.”

DC Universe: Every Upcoming Movie and TV Show

Cena was one of the first actors to work with Gunn when he began his transition to a new DC universe in 2019. Hot on the heels of his work with Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, the filmmaker’s work with DC was first limited to directing 2021’s The Suicide Squad and, eventually, the Peacemaker TV show.

He’s since become DC Studios co-CEO alongside Peter Safran and, as Paramount merges with Warner Bros., he’s seemingly planted his roots at Skydance as DC Studios’ co-chair. Like he’s done so many times before, Gunn helped Peacemaker become a more recognizable face for fans, but Cena knows he’s got more to worry about now.

After directing 2025’s Superman, Gunn has returned to direct its sequel, Man of Tomorrow, which will premiere in 2027. In addition to his involvement in projects like Lanterns, Clayface, The Brave and the Bold, and more, the comic book movie overseer is also wrapped up looking to cast beloved icons like Batman and Wonder Woman. In other words, it’s hard for watchers – and Cena – to pin down exactly when someone like Peacemaker might be able to return to the spotlight.

“Now, this dude gets to play with a whole box of toys, and because you get the whole box of toys, you have to address the really valuable ones first – and I understand that,” Cena said. “So, here’s a situation where I put my heart and soul into a character, an unknown character, and it becomes a fan favorite. I also know that it’s OK. I gotta step back.

“Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman… There are so many valuable IPs. I’m not in a leadership spot, but if I was, I’d be making those plays first. That’s OK.”

Peacemaker received two seasons before leaving the status of Cena’s Chris Smith on a major cliffhanger with Season 2. While there’s been no word from Gunn on a Peacemaker Season 3, as the character’s actor denies having put on the helmet since, it’s hard to say we’ve seen the last of the character just yet.

Like Marvel’s cinematic universe, the DCU feels ripe for experimentation when it comes to cameos and spinoffs. The Peacemaker character has already shown up for a live-action cameo in David Corenswet’s first Superman movie, and while his status is somewhat unknown, it feels like he could always show up for more. As far as his overall arc his concerned, Cena said, at least as far as he’s concerned, there’s still “unfinished business.”

“There always feels like unfinished business,” he added. “I retired from wrestling, but people are like, ‘Man, but you can come back!’ You know what I’m saying? That’s all that is to me: It’s a message that, ‘Dude, you did good work, and I’d like to see you again.’ Nobody’s saying, ‘Good f**king riddance, Peacemaker. Bleh.'”

Gunn suggested Peacemaker Season 3 wasn’t a priority late last year, saying, “Never say never, but right now, no.” Addressing the Season 2 finale cliffhanger, he added, “This is about the future of the DCU.” All of that said, the reflective-helmet-wearing character remains “really important” to the DC Studios boss as the DCU continues to come together.

We’ll continue to see the pieces of his comic book movie universe fall into place when Clayface premieres later this month. Lanterns just introduced its Hal Jordan and John Stewart with Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre, but fans are already speculating about who might play characters like Wonder Woman and Batman. While we wait to see what’s next for Peacemaker, you can check out IGN’s 6/10 Season 2 finale review.

Michael Cripe is a freelance writer with IGN. He’s best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).