PEACE OF THE ACTION

John Cena’s ruthless mercenary breaks out from the Suicide Squad for his own series

- EMMA BULLIMORE, STEVEN PERKINS

NEW SUPERHERO DRAMA

Peacemaker

Tue, 10pm, Sky Max & Sky Showcase (box set, Sky/NOW)

When obnoxious mercenary Christopher Smith – otherwise known as Peacemaker – was shot by one of his colleagues in 2021 film The Suicide Squad, writer and director James Gunn originally intended for the character’s death to be permanent.

During filming, however, Gunn was so impressed by John Cena’s performance as the warrior – who is so intent on achieving peace that he’ll kill anyone who stands in his way – that he decided the character deserved to live on.

Now, Peacemaker is the star of his own eight-part spin-off series, which begins five months after the events of the film as he is discharged from the hospital where he’s been recovering from the injuries he sustained on his mission in the island nation of Corto Maltese.

Upon his return home, he’s met by a group of A.R.G.U.S. agents who issue him an ultimatum – return to prison, or enlist in the mysterious Project Butterfly.

Here, actor and professional wrestler Cena, 44, reveals why he was intrigued to explore more of his character’s story…

What was your reaction when director James Gunn pitched the Peacemaker series to you?