Earlier this month, David Corenswet, the star of the upcoming Superman project, shared a photo featuring himself dressed as the Man of Steel alongside John Cena, who was in costume as Chris Smith, also known as Peacemaker. Both Superman and Peacemaker season 2 were filming simultaneously, sparking speculation regarding Corenswet’s potential appearance on the HBO Max series. Although James Gunn, the creator behind Peacemaker, has hinted at a major cameo in the show’s secretive final episodes, Cena approached the topic with caution while explaining his meeting with Corenswet.
The WWE Superstar turned DCU actor openly described his desire to connect with Corenswet, emphasizing how important it was for him to offer his support to the new Superman. Cena said,
“Well, I won’t bury the lead, you’re talking to the wrong guy because, man, I could write my own story of where I think it’s going and all that does is set up expectations that might not be met. And that’s just not something that I do in life. I can tell you the story behind David and I, and that photo where I’m dressed as Peacemaker, is I knew that they were finishing up filming Superman and I desperately wanted to meet David.” – John Cena, Actor/WWE Superstar
He explained that his motivation stemmed from understanding how much the role of Superman carries significant pressure and responsibility creatively and culturally, noting the impact the character has on the DC Universe (DCU):
“I wanted to meet the new Superman and just lend my services, like, ‘Hey, man, your life is about to change and I’ve heard that you’ve been doing an incredible job. I want to thank you because if you suck, that means DC sucks, which means we got a bigger hole to dig out of. So thank you so much for giving this your all. As someone who has been far more exposed to the media than I have formal acting training, if I can help you in any way, please, here’s my number, let me know.” – John Cena, Actor/WWE Superstar
Cena praised Corenswet for his admirable demeanor, calling him a “class act” and applauding James Gunn on his casting choice. He also made a distinction between the stature of Superman and that of Peacemaker, a relatively new and lesser-known character. Cena highlighted the weight a character like Superman carries in the superhero domain and how it cannot be easily replicated or faked.
“And David couldn’t have been nicer. He’s an absolute class act, and James couldn’t have made a better choice. I’m so glad everything went well [with Superman], because he had earned that. I don’t use the word ‘deserve.’ He has absolutely earned whatever success and future opportunities he’s been given. I really wanted to meet Superman and offer my help and services in any way.” – John Cena, Actor/WWE Superstar
“David is Superman. That’s not something you take lightly. Peacemaker is a new guy, [or] an unknown character coming from the annals of wherever. James himself was like, ‘Don’t read the comic. I’m going to make this guy my own.’ So, completely clean slate. But there are names in the superhero realm where you just can’t fake it. They have a weight of importance before you even say your first word, and Superman is certainly one of those. So I really just want to meet Superman.” – John Cena, Actor/WWE Superstar
Dave Bautista’s Role and John Cena’s Unexpected Casting as Peacemaker
It was recently revealed that Dave Bautista, known for his work in Guardians of the Galaxy, initially was James Gunn’s first pick to play Peacemaker in the 2021 film The Suicide Squad. However, due to scheduling conflicts, Bautista had to step away from the role, which led Gunn to cast John Cena, another former professional wrestler with a growing acting career.
When asked about stepping into a role that was originally intended for Bautista, Cena showed a pragmatic and humble attitude, dismissing the importance of being the initial or subsequent choice. He emphasized that opportunity arrives in various ways and that dwelling on the selection order would only limit growth and chance.
“Well, I mean, first of all, I could care less about being anybody’s first, second, third or fourth pick. Opportunity in life comes to you in a myriad of different ways, and if I wanted to be salty about like, ‘Oh, I wasn’t first pick, that’s beneath me.’ I wouldn’t have ever gotten a chance. And keep in mind I got killed off in The Suicide Squad.” – John Cena, Actor/WWE Superstar
Despite being killed off early in the film, Cena’s collaboration with Gunn formed the basis for his character’s expansion into a recurring role. Cena elaborated on how his professional and personal relationship with Gunn helped Peacemaker evolve from a one-time character to the ongoing star of his own series within the DCU.
“I mean, in filming that movie with James, we developed a friendship and I think I checked a lot of boxes of people he likes to work with professionally,”
“And on top of that, we developed a relationship personally and we do stay in a lot of the same lanes.” – John Cena, Actor/WWE Superstar
“I think he saw nuance in the performance he was able to bring out of me,”
“There’s more to this guy. And as a storyteller and as someone who puts words on paper and wants to bring those words to life and be prolific and have depth, I think this guy can help me out and I’d like to try to work with him again. So that’s why I ended up in the hospital instead of the morgue.” – John Cena, Actor/WWE Superstar
The Future of Peacemaker and John Cena’s Role in the DC Universe
Looking ahead, John Cena is expected to reprise his role as Chris Smith in Peacemaker season 2, which continues to build on the character’s complex and intense portrayal. The series is positioned as a significant component of the DCU, presumably influencing future storylines and crossovers.
Moreover, Cena is also slated to appear in the upcoming Superman sequel, Man of Tomorrow, further solidifying his presence within the DC Universe. Though it remains uncertain whether Peacemaker will be renewed for a third season, the character’s deepening integration into the wider narrative suggests that John Cena’s involvement will remain impactful.
