James Gunn’s debut in the world of DC superhero filmmaking has yet to formally kick off, as “The Suicide Squad” isn’t going to be released until next August, but that doesn’t mean Warner Bros. isn’t psyched about what the filmmaker has been cooking up. In fact, the folks at WB are so jazzed by the characters introduced in the upcoming film, the studio is ready to start production on the film’s first spinoff, a new HBO Max series titled “Peacemaker.”
READ MORE: Joel Kinnaman Says ‘The Suicide Squad’ Is “Heavily R-Rated” & Will Be “A F*cking Monster”
According to HBO Max, the streaming platform is currently in development on a new DC superhero series, “Peacemaker,” which will be a spinoff of the upcoming “The Suicide Squad” feature. That means John Cena, who plays the character in the film, will already be reprising his role in the forthcoming eight-episode series. And yes, James Gunn is coming back as well, as the streamer says the filmmaker will write the entire series and direct multiple episodes. While the exact plot of “Peacemaker” is being kept quiet, HBO Max said “the series will explore the origins of the character that Cena will play in the upcoming film, a man who believes in peace at any cost — no matter how many people he has to kill to get it.”
“‘Peacemaker’ is an opportunity to delve into current world issues through the lens of this superhero/supervillain/and world’s biggest douchebag,” said Gunn. “I’m excited to expand ‘The Suicide Squad’ and bring this character from the DC film universe to the full breadth of a series. And of course, to be able to work again with John, Peter, and my friends at Warner Bros. is the icing on the cake.”
John Cena added, “I have said before that it has been a tremendous honor and an incredible opportunity to be part of ‘The Suicide Squad’ and to work with James on what is going to be a fantastic movie. I am unbelievably excited to have the chance to team up with him again for ‘Peacemaker.’ We can’t wait for fans to see this.”
An exact release date for “Peacemaker” is unknown at this time. However, HBO Max is said to begin production on the new superhero series in early 2021, before Gunn goes back to work on Marvel Studios’ “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.” And considering “The Suicide Squad” doesn’t arrive in theaters until August 6, 2021, we could be looking at the new series spinoff arriving shortly after.
Here’s a promo image the streamer shared:
Update: James Gunn assures fans “Peacemaker” won’t affect or delay “Guardians of The Galaxy 3.”