WARNING: The following article contains spoilers for Peacemaker, Season 1, Episode 6, "Murn After Reading," available now on HBO Max.
James Gunn, creator of HBO Max's Peacemaker, revealed the real-world inspiration behind the ending piano scene from Season 1, Episode 6, "Murn After Reading."
In a thread on Twitter, Gunn confirmed John Cena, who plays Christopher Smith/Peacemaker, did, in fact, play the piano cover of Mötley Crüe's "Home Sweet Home" in the show's latest episode. Gunn then revealed the inspiration for the scene, saying that, during the shooting of 2021's The Suicide Squad, he "got word [his] dog of nearly 17 years was about to pass away." Gunn decided to fly home and ended up in a hotel lobby bar with Cena waiting for his ride to the airport.
While they were waiting, Cena went to a grand piano in the lobby bar and played a version of The Pixies' "Where Is My Mind." Gunn recalled, "It crushed me & yet soothed me & everyone around me was crying. I wanted to capture some semblance of that moment with this song." The director then explained the scene, saying that it's "the first time we've really seen him," as Smith is unable to express himself emotionally due to his upbringing, culture and surroundings.
Set after the events of The Suicide Squad, Peacemaker sees the titular vigilante teaming up with A.R.G.U.S. to take on a group of butterfly-like beings hiding inside of people all across the world. The HBO Max-exclusive also explores Peacemaker's relationship with his father, the supervillain Auggie Smith/White Dragon (Robert Patrick), and his backstory.
Currently, Peacemaker holds a 94 percent among critics on Rotten Tomatoes. If that rating holds through the remainder of the series, Peacemaker will become the best-reviewed DC Extended Universe project, pulling just ahead of 2017's Wonder Woman at 93 percent. For their part, The Suicide Squad and 2019's Shazam! are tied for third at 90 percent. While Warner Bros. hasn't officially greenlit production, Gunn said in January that Peacemaker Season 2 is very likely.
Created by Joe Gill and Pat Boyette, the first Peacemaker debuted in 1966's Fightin' 5 #40 and was originally owned by Charlton Comics. The character later made his way to the DC Universe. Peacemaker is a skilled fighter and marksman willing to do whatever it takes to further the cause of peace in the world, no matter how violent.
New episodes of Peacemaker air Thursdays on HBO Max. In addition to those mentioned above, Peacemaker stars Jennifer Holland as Emilia Harcourt, Chukwudi Iwuji as Clemson Murn, Danielle Brooks as Leota Adebayo, Freddie Stroma as Adrian Chase/Vigilante and Steve Agee as John Economos.
Source: Twitter