James Gunn opens up about how great of an actor Peacemaker star John Cena is 

James Gunn produced the American superhero television series Peacemaker for HBO Max. It is a spinoff of The Suicide Squad (2021) and is based on the DC Comics character Peacemaker, and the show's first season was created in Vancouver and shown in 2022.

He drew a lot of attention for his comedy, action, and distinct tone. After filming in Atlanta, DC Studios' second season began in August 2025. The endeavor that connects the DCEU with the DCU inspired the Waller spin-off series.

James Gunn applauded John Cena's development. This was mainly as an actor in Peacemaker Season 2, adding that his emotional depth startled the whole ensemble. Gunn explained that he encouraged Cena to accept vulnerability, and the actor responded passionately. Cena, who was formerly best known as a wrestler, is now regarded as a versatile performer.

More about James Gunn's Peacemaker star John Cena

James Gunn has openly praised John Cena's growth as an actor, particularly during Peacemaker's second season. Gunn, co-head of DC Studios and director of the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, said Cena's performance in the most recent season surprised him with its depth.

On X, he shared,

“The scene where his [family] leaves the room … I’m like, ‘John … I think you just break down in tears’. John was like, 'Okay' ... next take … tears are streaming down his fucking face. I was like, ‘What the fuck is going on?’”

Gunn accentuated a poignant scene in which Cena's character, Chris Smith, sobs after learning the devastating news about his brother at a live watch party for the first episode. The intensity of the feeling left Gunn and the rest of the squad in amazement.

The Suicide Squad (2021) paved the way for Cena's reappearance as Peacemaker. Season 2 of the HBO Max series digs further into the character's inner world, whereas the previous season concentrated mostly on his caustic, acerbic, and often outrageous personality, and Gunn revealed that he decided to push Cena to go further into Peacemaker.

Gunn has already praised Cena's potential, and giving the WWE veteran the opportunity to improve as a performer was one of his primary motivations for creating Peacemaker.

Despite the fact that Cena was a 17-time world champion and one of wrestling's most well-known characters, Gunn believed that his film career required a consistent direction. Gunn intended to provide such instruction and show previously unknown levels of expertise by centering the series on Cena.

Cena has put a lot of effort into developing a diverse acting career outside of the ring. His performances in Barbie, Argylle, and Heads of State throughout the last several years have allowed him to polish his dramatic abilities while playing with humor and action.

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Prior to the creation of Season 2, Gunn said he had not collaborated directly with Cena for around two years, save for staying in contact online. When he got back to the set, he immediately saw how much stronger Cena's presence and emotional delivery had become.

The change was noticed by Gunn. He has a history of fusing humor, passion, and action in movies like Slither, Guardians of the Galaxy, and The Suicide Squad. He has a track record of encouraging performers to go above and beyond their comfort zones, and with Cena, this approach has produced a more complex and captivating performance. Now, viewers can see a mercenary who is both violent and vulnerable.

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