Every week for the last eight weeks has been a damn good week if you’re subbed to HBO Max or wherever you can legitimately catch the 80s rock-supercharged hit series, Peacemaker.
On Wednesday, Warnermedia announced a second season for the show is officially in development following its premiere last month as a spin-off of James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad. The news comes on the eve of Thursday’s season one finale premiere on February 17.
Birthed on comic pages initally back in 1966 before eventually landing under DC Comics, Gunn brought the character to life between both properties, following through with the hit HBO Max series with John Cena in the title role.
Pigeonholed into teaming up with a secret unit being overseen by government spook Amanda Waller (cameoed by Viola Davis), Peacemaker (a.k.a. Chris Smith) finds himself on an adventure of self-discovery, questionable friendships, and imminent conflict, as he and best friend – and pet Eagle – Eagly, must take on an enemy hiding in plain sight, while contending with his dark past, as well as his father’s deadly resentment.
Apart from all the rave reviews, the announcement also noted the show’s #1 position as new original streaming series for social engagement on Twitter across all of television following its debut. The show also remains the #1 social show YTD across Max Originals on multiple social platforms.
Sarah Aubrey, Head of Original Content, HBO Max states, “The brilliance of James Gunn once again shines with Peacemaker. He took this character, brought to life by the inimitable John Cena, and created an exceptional series that’s simultaneously thrilling, hilarious and heartfelt, showcasing the humanity beneath this team of misfits living in a superhuman world. As the first original DC show to have its series premiere on HBO Max, we are thrilled that the viewers agreed to give peace a f***ing chance.”
Gunn added, “Creating Peacemaker has been one of the true highlights of my life, both professionally and otherwise, with John Cena and the incredible creative team around me, as well as our partners at HBO Max. To have something we all love so much be loved by the audience in turn has been a wonderful experience. I can’t wait for folks to see where Team Peacemaker goes in Season Two!”
“I am incredibly honored and humbled by the response to Peacemaker and the experience of playing this character. Thank you to James Gunn, Peter Safran, HBO Max, the crew, and my castmates who worked tirelessly to make this unforgettable series.” said Cena.
The show also stars Danielle Brooks, Freddie Stroma, Jennifer Holland, Chukwudi Iwuji, Steve Agee, and Robert Patrick.
Gunn wrote all eight episodes of the first season, of which he directed five, including the first, and will take the wheel penning and directing the second season. He will also exec produce along with Peter Safran and Matt Miller, with Cena as co-executive producer and Stacy Littlejohn as consulting producer.
Peacemaker hails from Gunn’s Troll Court Entertainment and The Safran Company in association with Warner Bros. Television.