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James Gunn Says He Wrote 'Peacemaker' For Dave Bautista Before Casting John Cena

Gunn credits Cena's performance with deepening the character, shaping the series' ongoing run.

Overview

  • Speaking on The Howard Stern Show, Gunn said he offered the role to Dave Bautista, who passed after receiving two higher‑paying film offers.
  • Gunn then met with John Cena and cast him as Peacemaker without an audition.
  • A close‑up shot during The Suicide Squad convinced Gunn of Cena's dramatic range, prompting him to expand the character.
  • Gunn calls Peacemaker his favorite project to date and says he plans further collaborations with Cena.
  • Peacemaker season 2 is currently streaming on HBO Max with new episodes rolling out weekly.