HBO Max Greenlights Drama ‘Peacemaker’

Streamer HBO Max has given a straight-to-series order to “Peacemaker” starring former WWE star John Cena. The upcoming series is a spinoff of the upcoming James Gunn film which features Cena, 43, as the “Peacemaker” from the pages of DC Comics supervillain team-up. The eight-episode series will skip shooting a pilot and proceed right to series production.

“Peacemaker” is expected to explore the origins of Cena’s “Suicide Squad” character, whose name is Christopher Smith, a pacifist diplomat and son of a Nazi death camp commandant who fights dictators and warlords as the founder of the Pax Institute.

“James Gunn has the unique ability to create an expansive universe while also bringing to life the soul and wit of each character. We look forward to a deep dive into the world of ‘Peacemaker,’” said Casey Bloys, Chief Content Officer for HBO and HBO Max.

DC Comics and HBO Max also recently announced they are producing a spin-off of Matt Reeves’ upcoming “Batman” film. “Gotham PD,” which will not feature the Caped Crusader but will focus on corrupt police in Batman’s home town.