As the premier date for The Suicide Squad nears, spinoff series Peacemaker moves forward with its January 2022 launch spot, starring movie star and former WWE champion John Cena as the the titular hero.
In a recent interview with Den of Geek, Peacemaker executive producer and The Suicide Squad director James Gunn weighed in on what it has been like to make the transition from movies to film and how Peacemaker was influenced by television. "I think that the actual inspiration for Peacemaker was the shitty 1970s Captain America TV shows that I loved when I was a child," Gunn said. "And I think Peacemaker exemplifies a lot of things about society that are going on politically, and what people’s beliefs are about America and the world. So being able to tell those stories that are slightly more socially conscious in their essence, but also outlandish, he lends itself to that."
Enticed by the nostalgia and freedom of television, Gunn expressed that he may shift his focus yet again. "I love doing Peacemaker." Gunn continued. "I could see just making TV shows after Guardians 3. It's a possibility."
Gunn, known for his work on both Guardians of the Galaxy films as well as an executive producer on Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, has become synonymous with the the blockbuster superhero film industry. In addition to Suicide Squad and Peacemaker, James Gunn has teased other potential DC projects. While Gunn is set to write and direct Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3, it's unknown whether he will continue to work on Marvel movies, or if his focus has strictly shifted to DC.
Peacemaker, a spinoff starring John Cena as The Suicide Squad alum, takes place in the DC Extended Universe and focuses on the origins of the hero, who Gunn has described as a "superhero/supervillain/and world's biggest douchebag", in the show's original press release from HBO Max. Filming of Peacemaker began in January 2021. The show is expected to air on HBO Max in January 2022. The show is not expected to interfere with Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 3.
Produced by James Gunn, Peacemaker stars John Cena, Steve Agee, Danielle Brooks, Robert Patrick, Jennifer Holland, Chris Conrad, Chukwudi Iwuji, Lochlyn Munro, Annie Chang and Christopher Heyerdahl. The eight-episode series will arrive on HBO Max in January 2022.
Source: Den of Geek