Suicide Squad director James Gunn has announced a spinoff original series titled Peacemaker starring John Cena, is heading to HBO Max.
According to Variety, the director will write the series and direct multiple episodes, including the pilot.
HBO Max has ordered eight episodes of the show based on the DC Comics character, which is set to be an action adventure comedy. The series will “explore origins of Peacemaker, a man who believes in peace at any cost, no matter how many people he has to kill to get it.”
Check out the director and star’s tweets below:
I'm over-the-moon excited to be working on #PEACEMAKER with my pals @JohnCena & #TheSuicideSquad producer Peter Safran on this new @hbomax original series from @warnerbrostv @DCComics pic.twitter.com/EsAkOVXB44
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) September 23, 2020
Working alongside @JamesGunn on #SuicideSquad was an absolute masterclass in how to best bring beloved characters to life in a new and fun way. I cannot wait for the #DCUniverse to experience more of absurdity that is the Peacemaker in this new project on @hbomax!!! pic.twitter.com/PZ9dOa7Dzj
— John Cena (@JohnCena) September 23, 2020
“’Peacemaker’ is an opportunity to delve into current world issues through the lens of this superhero/supervillain/and world’s biggest douchebag,” Gunn said. “I’m excited to expand ‘The Suicide Squad’ and bring this character from the DC film universe to the full breadth of a series. And of course, to be able to work again with John, Peter, and my friends at Warner Bros. is the icing on the cake.”
“James Gunn has the unique ability to create an expansive universe while also bringing to life the soul and wit of each character. We look forward to a deep dive into the world of ‘Peacemaker,’” said Casey Bloys, chief content officer for HBO and HBO Max.
Peacemaker is set to join the upcoming Matt Reeves and Terrence Winter’s Gotham PD series, along with the DC Universe shows migrating to the streaming service.
Cena will co-executive producer in addition to starring, with Gunn executive producing via Troll Court Entertainment with “Suicide Squad” producer Peter Safran also executive producing for The Safran Company.