John Cena is once again donning the chrome helmet and patriotic getup of Peacemaker for the second season of the hit HBO Max series, premiering Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 9 p.m. EST. This eight-episode season, written and showrun by James Gunn, promises a wild ride through the newly rebooted DC Universe (DCU), with Cena’s Christopher Smith—aka Peacemaker—stumbling upon an interdimensional portal and discovering the parallel world of his dreams. For fans who have followed Cena from the wrestling ring to Hollywood blockbusters and now to the small screen, this season is shaping up to be a can’t-miss event.
According to WIRED, Cena’s star continues to rise even as he prepares to retire from wrestling in 2025. In a recent Autocomplete Interview released on August 20, Cena confirmed that WrestleMania 41 was his last: “Guys, I’m retiring this year. I’m gonna try to get as many appearances as I can.” Reflecting on his storied career as a 17-time WWE world champion, Cena’s journey has been anything but ordinary. “When you’re the 17-time champion, that means you’ve lost it 16 times. So that is an environment with no friends. I have no allegiances and may God I have mercy on my soul,” Cena quipped, highlighting the solitary nature of his wrestling persona.
But Peacemaker is far from a solo act. Season two brings back a colorful ensemble of returning characters and introduces fresh faces to the DCU. Danielle Brooks reprises her role as Leota Adebayo, the daughter of government agent Amanda Waller (played by Viola Davis in the wider DC universe). Brooks, who rose to fame as Taystee on Orange Is the New Black and recently received an Oscar nomination for The Color Purple, brings emotional depth to Adebayo—a character caught between loyalty to her mother and her own moral compass.
Jennifer Holland returns as Emilia Harcourt, the no-nonsense, combat-skilled agent first introduced in The Suicide Squad. Holland’s character has become a staple in the DCU, making appearances in Black Adam and Shazam! Fury of the Gods. Her real-life connection to James Gunn (the two are married) adds a layer of off-screen chemistry that fans have come to appreciate.
Freddie Stroma is back as Adrian Chase, better known as Vigilante—a busboy by day, masked vigilante by night, and Peacemaker’s self-proclaimed best friend. Stroma, familiar to audiences from his roles in the Harry Potter franchise and Bridgerton, injects a quirky unpredictability into the team dynamic. Steve Agee reprises his role as John Economos, the tech and tactics whiz who’s previously appeared in The Suicide Squad and Shazam! Fury of the Gods. Agee’s comedic timing provides much-needed levity amid the show’s high-stakes action.
One of the most intriguing returns is Robert Patrick as Auggie Smith, Peacemaker’s racist and cruel father. Although Christopher killed Auggie in season one, the official trailer teases Patrick’s return—likely in a parallel dimension, given the new season’s interdimensional twist. Patrick’s long Hollywood résumé, including roles in Terminator 2: Judgment Day and Die Hard 2, ensures he brings gravitas to the part, even from beyond the grave (or in another universe, as it were).
New to the cast is Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr., director of A.R.G.U.S., who is on a mission to hunt down Peacemaker for killing his son, Rick Flag Jr., in The Suicide Squad. Grillo, known for his work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Brock Rumlow/Crossbones and his voice work in Gunn’s animated Creature Commandos, promises to be a formidable adversary. Tim Meadows joins as Langston Fleury, an A.R.G.U.S. agent also tasked with bringing Peacemaker to justice. Meadows, beloved for his roles on Saturday Night Live and Mean Girls, brings a sharp comedic edge to the pursuit. Sol Rodriguez debuts as Sasha Bordeaux, Fleury’s partner and another new face in the DCU, adding to the season’s fresh energy.
James Gunn’s fingerprints are all over this season. As the architect of the current DCU, Gunn’s irreverent humor and penchant for blending action with heart are on full display. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Gunn’s involvement as both writer and showrunner ensures a consistent tone and vision—something fans of the first season will no doubt appreciate. The episodes will release weekly, culminating in a season finale on Thursday, October 9, 2025.
Of course, Cena’s own journey is a big part of the show’s allure. Before stepping into Peacemaker’s boots, Cena was a household name in wrestling, a 17-time WWE world champion who transitioned to acting with surprising ease. His film credits include Bumblebee, the Fast & Furious franchise, a memorable cameo as a merman in Barbie, and a guest spot on The Bear. Yet, it’s his authenticity—on and off screen—that resonates. When asked by WIRED why his style is so iconic, Cena replied, “Probably because I was stubborn enough not to change. So I wear very small jeans. They don’t go be below my kneecap. Jean shorts or jorts. And I just haven’t changed that uniform in 20 years.” With the jorts now making their “farewell,” Cena’s trademark look is nearly as famous as the man himself.
Cena’s humility and humor shine in his interview, where he fields everything from his inability to grow facial hair (“Not a chance. I haven’t shaved in five weeks. I’ve tried. It shows up in patches.”) to his piano skills. Fans of Peacemaker will recall his rendition of “Home Sweet Home”—and yes, Cena confirms, “That is my haphazard version of Home Sweet Home. I don’t remember a note of it, but I did actually play it.” He’s been trying to learn piano for eight years, squeezing in practice when his packed schedule allows.
As for his relationship with fans, Cena is candid: “My biggest rival? That one’s simple. The audience. My goodness, we’ve been going back and forth for almost 25 years now. You’re tireless. You have an energy of an Everlast battery. I’ve tried to break you. I can’t. You got me on the ropes.” It’s a rivalry marked by mutual respect, even as Cena prepares to step away from the squared circle for good.
Off-screen, Cena remains as enigmatic as ever. He manages his own Instagram and X accounts, posting one meaningful photo daily—never with text, never with his face. “Best believe it’s all me and there’s a message in every photo,” he told WIRED, reinforcing the personal connection he maintains with his audience.
With a blend of irreverence, action, and heart, Peacemaker’s second season is poised to capture the imagination of fans old and new. As Cena’s wrestling career winds down, his star in Hollywood—and in the DC Universe—shows no sign of dimming. For now, it’s clear: Peacemaker’s mission for peace, no matter the cost, is far from over.
