James Gunn first introduced John Cena in the role of Peacemaker in 2021’s The Suicide Squad, with Cena quickly winning over audiences and returning for multiple seasons of the Peacemaker series. Despite Cena’s definitive portrayal, Gunn recently disclosed in an interview who he had initially envisioned for the character, which could have taken the role in a completely different direction. This revelation shines a new light on the casting process behind one of his most popular creations.
During a conversation on The Howard Stern Show, Stern expressed surprise at how perfectly Cena fit the role, prompting Gunn to explain that he had originally written the part with Dave Bautista in mind. Bautista, a longtime friend of Gunn and fellow actor from the Guardians of the Galaxy films, was even offered the role before Cena was cast.
It was Dave Bautista, who’s a good friend of mine. Obviously, he plays Drax in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy‘ and I wrote the character of Peacemaker for him and we offered him the role, but he was offered two other movies and we weren’t paying him a lot, and so he had to go where the money was, and I had always been a fan of John since ‘Trainwreck‘ especially. I thought he was so, so funny in that movie that I met with him. We talked. We became instant, instant friends, and then since then, you know, I’ve worked with him more than any other actor because I’ve done two seasons of ‘Peacemaker,’ ‘Suicide Squad,’ and we’re gonna be doing more together. So, he is a fantastic guy, a fantastic actor,
Gunn said.
Imagining an Alternate Peacemaker Casting
The idea of Dave Bautista stepping into Peacemaker’s shoes offers an intriguing “what if” scenario. Bautista’s performances often balance humor with emotional depth, qualities that align well with Peacemaker’s complex personality. Physically, Bautista’s stature and presence would certainly suit the role of a formidable, nearly unstoppable hero.
However, John Cena’s comedic timing and expressive facial acting have given Peacemaker a distinct flavor that resonates uniquely with fans. Cena’s delivery adds a specific charm and intensity to the role, which may not have been replicated had Bautista taken the part. Given the widespread acclaim for Cena’s portrayal, it appears that the final casting choice helped solidify Peacemaker’s success and enduring appeal.
The Moment John Cena Proved His Acting Range
James Gunn disclosed that John Cena was cast without an audition because of his prior work and their personal rapport. Yet, it was during filming for The Suicide Squad that Gunn truly recognized Cena’s depth as an actor. He recalls a moment where a close-up shot revealed powerful emotions behind Cena’s eyes, one that convinced Gunn of Cena’s remarkable range beyond just comedic talent.
I didn’t audition him. I just put him in it, but it was a simple role. It was very much like in ‘Trainwreck,’ and it just got deeper and deeper and there was a moment on the set of ‘The Suicide Squad‘ where I went to this close up of John, and I went all the way in on his eyes, and I saw the stuff that was occurring behind his eyes and I thought, ‘Wow. This guy could really act,’ and I think if you see in season two, he is absolutely not only funny, not only grounded, but also incredibly emotional, and I can’t wait for people to see the rest of the season. I think I love the Peacemaker show more than anything else I’ve ever done,
Gunn shared.
Such praise from Gunn, known for directing complex characters in blockbusters like the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy and Superman, underscores the importance of Cena’s contribution to the role. The combination of humor, emotional weight, and grounded performance has made Peacemaker a standout character in the DC universe.
How This Reveals the Future of DC Projects
With John Cena firmly established as Peacemaker and receiving acclaim for the role, Gunn continues to express enthusiasm for his work on the show. Following the success of Peacemaker season 2, Gunn’s focus will shift to several upcoming DC projects, including Lanterns, Clayface, Supergirl, and the recently announced Man of Tomorrow. This new film will serve as a narrative continuation from the conclusions of Superman and Peacemaker, highlighting Gunn’s growing influence over the DC film and television landscape.
Fans can expect Gunn’s storytelling to delve deeper into the shared universe while maintaining the humor and heartfelt character moments that have defined Peacemaker so far. The transition between Peacemaker’s second season and new projects like Man of Tomorrow is likely to shape the next phase of DC’s evolving cinematic and TV narrative.
Reflection on the Casting Journey and Its Impact
James Gunn’s disclosure about his original casting preference reveals how casting decisions pivot on factors like scheduling, finances, and unforeseen circumstances. While Bautista would have brought his own strengths to Peacemaker, Cena’s performance has uniquely defined the character’s identity and enhanced the series’ popularity.
Moreover, Gunn’s straightforward trust in Cena’s capabilities, casting him without audition, reflects a confident and instinctive approach to matching actor and role. The emotional nuance Cena displayed during filming helped elevate Peacemaker beyond a typical action comedy, adding layers that resonate deeply with audiences.
As Peacemaker continues to build momentum in its second season and beyond, this insight into the character’s casting history enriches appreciation for the creative choices behind the scenes. It also provides fans with an exciting glimpse into how different casting routes could have reshaped the character and the series itself.
