The Max Original series Peacemaker, created by James Gunn and starring John Cena as the world’s most jacked sociopath with a dove on his chest, returns for its highly anticipated Season 2 on Thursday, 21st August
Peace, love, and excessive firepower are back on the menu
The new season sees Christopher Smith — aka Peacemaker — continuing his chaotic, often explosive journey toward… well, some form of redemption. Still struggling to reconcile his violent past with his deep-seated need to do good (in the most wildly inappropriate ways possible), Chris now faces bigger stakes, deeper scars, and — as always — a whole lot of blood.
As he wrestles with his sense of purpose, the body count inevitably rises.
Oh, and yes: he’s still wearing that chrome toilet seat of a helmet.
Fans paying close attention to the Season 2 trailer will spot some major DC character cameos: Maxwell Lord, Hawkgirl, and even Guy Gardner/Green Lantern all make blink-and-you’ll-miss-it appearances in the opening frames. That strongly suggests Peacemaker Season 2 takes place prior to James Gunn’s upcoming Superman reboot, laying important groundwork for the new DCU.
Translation: this isn’t just a sequel — it’s a key puzzle piece.
Returning Cast & New Faces
Back for round two:
- John Cena as Chris Smith / Peacemaker
- Danielle Brooks as Leota Adebayo
- Jennifer Holland as Emilia Harcourt
- Freddie Stroma as Vigilante
- Steve Agee as John Economos
- Robert Patrick as the ghost of Auggie Smith (because somehow, he’s not done tormenting his son)
New recruits:
- Frank Grillo (crossing over from Marvel to DC)
- David Denman
- Sol Rodriguez
- Tim Meadows (yes, that Tim Meadows — SNL royalty in the DCU? Let’s go.)
James Gunn returns as the architect of the madness — writing all eight episodes and directing the first three himself. Joining him in the director’s chair are:
- Greg Mottola (Superbad, Paul)
- Peter Sollett (Raising Victor Vargas)
- Althea Jones (Made for Love)
Gunn, Peter Safran, and John Cena all serve as executive producers. The show is produced by Gunn’s Troll Court Entertainment and The Safran Company, in association with Warner Bros. Television.
Season 1 of Peacemaker wasn’t just a surprise hit — it was a proof of concept. A raunchy, ultra-violent, emotionally raw DC show with heart (and an eagle named Eagly) could actually work. With James Gunn now spearheading the entire DCU, Season 2 isn’t just entertainment — it’s a crucial step in the superhero universe’s evolution.
Plus, who doesn’t want more dance numbers, more chainsaw kills, and more Vigilante unhinged moments?
In a world of self-serious heroes and multiversal confusion, Peacemaker continues to stand out by planting a middle finger squarely in the face of convention — then apologizing with tears in its eyes and a gun in its hand.
The peace is back. The bullets are loaded. And Chris Smith is ready to screw it all up again — for a good cause.
When and Where to Watch
🗓️ Premieres: Thursday, August 21, 2025
🕘 Time: 9:00 p.m. ET/PT
📺 Where: Max (formerly HBO Max)
📦 Episodes: 8 total, released weekly
UK Release TBA
