A Man Is Only as Good as His Bird - Peacemaker 2x02 #reaction #dcu #peacemaker #peacemakerseason2
1Peacemaker (TV series)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Peacemaker is an American superhero television series created by James Gunn for the streaming service HBO Max. Based on the eponymous character from DC Comics, the first season is a spin-off from the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) film The Suicide Squad (2021), further exploring jingoistic mercenary Chris Smith / Peacemaker. It was produced by the Safran Company and Troll Court Entertainment in association with Warner Bros. Television and with Gunn as showrunner. The second season is the second series in the DC Universe (DCU), a "soft reboot" of the DCEU, retroactively incorporating it into the franchise's continuity, and taking place after the events of the film Superman (2025). It was produced by DC Studios with Gunn returning as showrunner.
John Cena stars as the title character, reprising his role from The Suicide Squad, with Danielle Brooks, Freddie Stroma, Chukwudi Iwuji, Jennifer Holland, Steve Agee, and Robert Patrick also starring in the first season, with Frank Grillo, Sol Rodríguez, Tim Meadows, David Denman and Michael Rooker joining the cast in the second season. Gunn conceived Peacemaker after noting Cena's strength as a dramatic actor while filming The Suicide Squad and wrote the first season while finishing the film. HBO Max ordered it straight-to-series in September 2020. Filming took place in Vancouver, Canada, from January to July 2021, with Gunn directing five episodes. He chose to use hair metal songs for the series' soundtrack, including "Do Ya Wanna Taste It" by Wig Wam for the opening titles dance sequence. A second season was ordered in February 2022, with Gunn again writing all episodes. The season was integrated with the DCU after Gunn was named co-CEO of DC Studios. Filming took place at Trilith Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, from April to November 2024.
Peacemaker premiered on January 13, 2022, with its first three episodes. The other five episodes of the first season were released weekly until February 17. Viewership increased with each episode and the season received positive reviews. The second season premiered on August 21, 2025. The series has been nominated for several awards, including a Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Award. A spin-off series, Waller, is in development as part of the DCU.
Premise
The first season follows Chris Smith / Peacemaker after he recovers from the injuries he suffered during the events of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) film The Suicide Squad (2021). Peacemaker is forced to join the mysterious A.R.G.U.S. black ops squad "Project Butterfly",[1] who are on a mission to identify and eliminate parasitic butterfly-like creatures who have taken over human bodies around the world.[2] The second season is set in the DC Universe (DCU) and is set after the events of the DCU film Superman (2025).[3] It follows Peacemaker finding an alternate universe where he is a beloved hero.
Cast and characters
John Cena as Chris Smith / Peacemaker:
A jingoistic vigilante who believes in achieving peace at any cost. Showrunner James Gunn called him a "piece of shit" and said he was a "superhero/supervillain/[the] world's biggest douchebag".[4][5] In the second season, Gunn said the character was no longer a "total asshole" and had become less obnoxious and aggressive.[6] Cena also plays an alternate heroic version of the character in season 2, while Quinn Bennet portrays a younger Smith in season 1.
Danielle Brooks as Leota Adebayo: The daughter of A.R.G.U.S. leader Amanda Waller and a member of Project Butterfly[1][7]
Freddie Stroma as Adrian Chase / Vigilante: A self-proclaimed crimefighter who looks up to Peacemaker like an older brother[8][9]
Chukwudi Iwuji as Clemson Murn (season 1): A mercenary and the leader of Project Butterfly who reports to Waller.[1][10] He is revealed to be a rogue Butterfly called Ik Nobe Lok.[11] Gunn later stated that the DCU version of the character likely wouldn't resemble the actor since he expressed interest in casting Iwuji in a different role in the future.[12][13]
Jennifer Holland as Emilia Harcourt: An A.R.G.U.S. agent who is assigned to Project Butterfly by Waller[14]
Steve Agee as John Economos: An A.R.G.U.S. agent who provides tactical support for Project Butterfly[15]
Robert Patrick as August "Auggie" Smith / White Dragon / Blue Dragon: Peacemaker's white supremacist father who supplies him with technology to aid his mission[14][16] Patrick also portrays a heroic version of Auggie Smith in season 2, known as Blue Dragon.
Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr. (season 2): The new director of A.R.G.U.S. and the father of Suicide Squad leader Rick Flag Jr.