'The Suicide Squad' Spin-Off Series 'Peacemaker' Starring John Cena Coming To HBO Max

We are at a time when we are getting live-action comic book shows that tie into live-action comic book films. In 2013, the MCU got this treatment with the addition of Agents of SHIELD, and then later Agent Carter. Other shows said to be set within the MCU did not really do much to tie into the films, though that will change with Marvel Studios’ live-action shows that are coming to Disney+ during Phase Four. However, it is not just Marvel that is using this strategy.

In July, it was announced that a Gotham PD series was being developed for HBO Max, and that it would be set within the same universe as Matt Reeves’ upcoming The Batman film. But it does not stop there, as it has just been announced that James Gunn’s upcoming film The Suicide Squad, which is set within the DC Extended Universe film series, is getting a spin-off in the form of Peacemaker. John Cena plays this character in The Suicide Squad and will reprise his role for this series. HBO Max has ordered eight episodes of this series. Production is set to start in early 2021, before James Gunn, who is writing the series and directing multiple episodes, starts working on Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Gunn had the following to say about the series:

“‘Peacemaker’ is an opportunity to delve into current world issues through the lens of this superhero/supervillain/and world’s biggest douchebag. 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.”

Casey Bloys, the chief content officer for HBO and HBO Max, was very supportive of Gunn:

“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.’”

Peacemaker is a character who wants to bring peace even if it means the deaths of many people along the way. Think Captain America, but more of a jerk. John Cena expressed his excitement for the series:

“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.”

The Suicide Squad is set to be released on August 6, 2021, so we could probably expect this series to be released sometime after that. Then again, it sure would be something if the series turned out to be an introduction to the character before we see him in The Suicide Squad. In any case, this shows that the higher-ups are more willing to have DC TV content tie into DC cinematic content. Over the years, some viewers of various DC shows and films have expressed frustration over how there is not as much synergy as Marvel has attempted. The idea of the multiverse allows for all of these DC stories to be loosely connected, as viewers saw in CW’s take on Crisis on Infinite Earths. However, there are probably some viewers who would like to watch TV content that feels like it rewards them for watching the films that take place in the same universes as those shows. Of course, having to “watch everything” could be alienating to some. At the end of the day, the mileage of the viewers will vary.

Written By Steven Shinder

Syndicated From Culture Slate