James Gunn’s hit series Peacemaker transformed a violent anti-hero from the 2021 film The Suicide Squad into one of the most complex figures in superhero television. Starring John Cena as Christopher Smith, the series blended dark comedy, political satire and heartfelt character arc.
For fans who enjoy complex character-driven superhero storytelling, Peacemaker represents television at its finest. With Gunn now co-leading DC Studios, many fans wondered about the future of the series.
Who is Peacemaker?
Before appearing on screen, the character Peacemaker originated in Charlton Comics during the 1960s. Later, DC Comics absorbed the character into their universe. His full name, Christopher Smith, belongs to a pacifist diplomat who ironically fights for peace through extreme violence. The comic version presented a tragic figure obsessed with ending conflict, believing he could speak to the ghosts of those he had killed.
Cena’s version portrays an emotional wreck under his bravado. His iteration of Peacemaker is an overcompensating soldier haunted by regret and desperate for validation. This layered portrayal helped redefine Peacemaker for modern audiences, shifting him from obscure comic anti-hero to mainstream pop culture fixture. During a conversation with Variety, Gunn noted that the TV format allowed him to explore emotional depth that couldn’t fit into a two-hour movie.
“He started out as a character who was the kind of guy that everybody calls morally reprehensible online every day,” he told the outlet. “I would have met Peacemaker at a party and gone, ‘Who is that f—— a—— over there?’”
Gunn went on to say that he used to explain that, in a similar way to his Superman project, he used the series to explore themes of empathy and understanding.
“We live in this world where everybody thinks that the way to deal with people that think differently than you is to treat them like demons,” Gunn said. “What a f—— stupid idea. You want to change the world? You want the world to be a better place? You don’t do it by telling somebody they’re evil. It’s just not the way you do it.”
What are Peacemakers’ powers?
Peacemaker doesn’t have supernatural powers, but he remains one of DC’s most formidable human characters. He excels as a trained marksman, expert in military tactics and highly skilled practitioner of hand-to-hand combat. Additionally, his father crafted specialized helmets that carry unique functions including sonic booms, levitation and x-ray vision. In the show, these gadgets serve both comedic and dramatic purposes, underlining his dependence on violence and technology.
However, it’s his unwavering willpower and deeply flawed sense of purpose that truly defines his strength. Gunn turns that paradox into the show’s emotional core. As a result, Peacemaker’s belief in peace through force becomes both his weapon and his curse.
What is ‘Peacemaker’ a spinoff of?
Peacemaker is a direct spinoff of James Gunn’s 2021 film The Suicide Squad, which revitalized the franchise after the 2016 version’s critical disappointment. In the movie, Cena’s Peacemaker joins Task Force X, a government-controlled team of villains that authorities force to carry out covert missions. By the end, Peacemaker shocks audiences when he kills Rick Flag to protect classified information, which ultimately sets up his survival for the series.
The show picks up immediately after the events in The Suicide Squad film, diving into his life after his near-death experience. Gunn used this opportunity to expand on the character’s psyche, exploring his childhood trauma, guilt and the consequences of his obsessive worldview. For fans of the larger DC narrative, Peacemaker marks a key bridge connecting older DCEU projects and Gunn’s new interconnected universe.
Why did Peacemaker turn bad in ‘The Suicide Squad’?
Peacemaker’s betrayal in The Suicide Squad actually remained consistent with his moral code. When Rick Flag attempted to expose the U.S. government’s involvement in the Starro experiment, Peacemaker killed him to protect national secrets. To him, preserving peace meant eliminating any threat to his country’s image, even if it meant murdering a hero.
Consequently, that moment became the emotional foundation of the series. It forced Smith to face the cost of blind patriotism and question whether his version of peace truly meant anything. Gunn used this conflict to build a surprisingly emotional narrative exploring guilt, masculinity and morality in ways superhero shows rarely attempt. The Rick Flag killing haunts the anti-hero throughout both seasons, representing the moment he can no longer hide from the consequences of his ideology.
Will there be a ‘Peacemaker’ season three?
While Peacemaker remains canon in Gunn’s newly structured DC Universe, the answer is nuanced. In his conversation with Variety, Gunn has explicitly stated there are no current plans for season three. However, while speaking with Deadline, Gunn clarified the situation directly.
“No, this is about the wider DCU and other stories in which this will play out right now,” Gunn told Deadline. “That doesn’t mean that there won’t be. I don’t want to never say never, but right now, no, this is about the future of the DCU.”
During his conversation with Deadline, Gunn reiterated that he’s not ruling out the possibility of season three, adding the finale of season 2 impacted the future of the series.
“Some of these characters will continue, but also, it’s not exactly Peacemaker 3,” he said. “I’m not ruling it out.”
What has James Gunn said about ‘Peacemaker’ season three?
Gunn confirmed in a recent interview with Deadline that the series exists within the same continuity as Superman, which is the first film in his “Chapter One: Gods and Monsters” era.
Since DC Studios continues making timeline adjustments to ensure consistency across upcoming DC projects, fans can expect the events of Peacemaker to directly impact future films and series. The character of Peacemaker may return. However, his story will continue through other DCU projects rather than a third season of the HBO Max series.
“Peacemaker is an important character,” Gunn said. “I said from the beginning when we took on this job, it’s about really propping up and maintaining and repositioning the big diamond properties that DC has.”
How does the finale sets up the wider universe?
The Peacemaker finale introduced Salvation, a prison planet where Peacemaker becomes stranded. His former team forms Checkmate, a new independent crime-fighting organization, which will define the DCU going forward. Gunn revealed to Variety that Salvation will play a central role in the 2027 film Man of Tomorrow.
“I’m leaving Peacemaker stranded on Salvation, and that’s going to be an incredibly important thing in the future of the DCU,” Gunn said.
The prison planet concept comes from the DC Comics miniseries Salvation Run, where authorities exile villains to a hostile planet. Both Salvation and Checkmate will appear in the Lanterns series premiering in 2026.
“Lanterns is very connected to all that,” Gunn added.
How fans are reacting to the show’s ending?
Audiences were surprised by how heartfelt Peacemaker became. The show balanced outrageous violence with introspective storytelling, creating one of the most layered DC adaptations to date. Cena’s comedic timing paired with emotional sincerity made viewers sympathize with a character who once seemed irredeemable. The series went viral for its opening dance sequence, a deadpan choreographed number set to Wig Wam’s “Do Ya Wanna Taste It.” This surreal moment perfectly encapsulated the show’s blend of absurdity and self-awareness.
Will Peacemaker appear in future projects?
While Gunn hasn’t confirmed specific Peacemaker appearances, all signs point to the character playing a role in upcoming DCU films. When asked directly about Supergirl and Man of Tomorrow, Gunn simply told Deadline, “Well, we’ll have to see. That’s a secret.”
The Superman film (released July 2025) already features connections to Peacemaker‘s second season. Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner appears in both projects, establishing shared continuity.
“Peacemaker will be back,” Gunn confirmed to ComicBookClubLive. “You’ll see all these characters in the future of the DCU in… Not too long.”
The timeline suggests potential appearances in Supergirl (June 26, 2026), Clayface (September 11, 2026), or Man of Tomorrow (July 9, 2027). These upcoming projects prove the character remains central to DC’s plans. This season finale proves the character’s journey continues beyond the series.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I watch The Suicide Squad before Peacemaker?
Yes. The Suicide Squad movie establishes Peacemaker’s backstory and motivations, directly setting up the series events. Consequently, you’ll understand character dynamics and emotional stakes much better. The Rick Flag killing provides crucial context for season one’s entire arc. While you can technically watch Peacemaker without seeing the film, the emotional weight hits harder when you understand what Christopher Smith did and why it haunts him.
Is Peacemaker a good show?
Absolutely. The show holds a 94 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes and 8.3/10 on IMDb, making it one of DC’s most acclaimed series. During its debut, Peacemaker ranked among Max’s top originals with over 1.5 billion minutes viewed in its first month. Season two maintained strong viewership numbers throughout its run. Critics praised the show’s balance of humor and heart, with many calling it the best DC television series. Additionally, Cena’s performance earned widespread acclaim, showcasing dramatic range beyond his action star persona.