James Gunn Reveals Dave Bautista Nearly Cast As Peacemaker Before John Cena

James Gunn originally wrote the character of Peacemaker for his friend and Marvel star Dave Bautista, known for playing Drax in Guardians of the Galaxy, but Bautista declined the role due to financial reasons and commitments to other movies. Gunn then cast John Cena, whom he admired for his comedic performance in the 2015 film Trainwreck, leading to a strong professional and personal friendship between the two. Cena has since become closely associated with the Peacemaker role, starring in two seasons of the HBO Max series and The Suicide Squad film, with plans for more projects together. Critics and fans have praised Cena’s portrayal, highlighting his blend of humor, violence, and emotional depth, which Gunn considers his favorite work. Peacemaker has become a key character in the evolving DC Universe under Gunn's direction, with Cena’s performance playing a vital role in the franchise's success. The second season of Peacemaker is currently streaming on HBO Max, with new episodes released weekly.