John Cena has played Peacemaker in DC Studios productions since 2021, but he wasn’t the initial choice for the part. The role was first offered to fellow WWE star Dave Bautista, who was the preferred candidate for the character. This information comes as the second season of the HBO Max series featuring Peacemaker is currently streaming.
James Gunn’s Casting Decision Revealed
James Gunn, who oversees the DC projects including The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker series, shared details about the casting process during an appearance on The Howard Stern Show. Gunn explained that he originally wrote the character with Bautista in mind, having worked with him previously as the actor who plays Drax in Guardians of the Galaxy.
“I wrote the character of Peacemaker for him, and we offered him the role, but he was offered two movies, and we weren’t paying him a lot, so he had to go where the money was.”
—James Gunn, Director and Executive
How John Cena Became the Face of Peacemaker
After Bautista turned down the role, Gunn turned his attention to John Cena. Gunn’s admiration for Cena began after watching the 2015 comedy Trainwreck, directed by Judd Apatow. Cena’s performance caught Gunn’s eye, leading to a meeting between the director and the actor.
“I had always been a fan of John since Trainwreck especially, I thought he was so, so funny in that movie. I met with him, we talked, we became instant, instant friends.”
—James Gunn, Director and Executive
Since then, Gunn has collaborated with Cena extensively, working on The Suicide Squad, both seasons of Peacemaker, and planning future projects together.
“He is a fantastic guy, a fantastic actor, and really, I think I love the Peacemaker show more than anything else I’ve ever done.”
—James Gunn, Director and Executive
John Cena’s Current WWE Career Status
Meanwhile, outside of his acting, John Cena is nearing the end of his retirement year from professional wrestling. His final match is scheduled for WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, which will take place in December at the Capital One Arena located in Washington, DC.
The Importance of Casting Choices and Future Expectations
The revelation that Dave Bautista was the first choice for Peacemaker highlights the fluid nature of casting decisions in Hollywood, especially when balancing budget and actor availability. John Cena’s eventual casting has led to a highly praised portrayal, making Peacemaker one of his most acclaimed roles to date. With the second season currently airing and more projects planned with James Gunn, Cena’s future as Peacemaker appears promising and set to grow further within the DC universe.
