John Cena was not the initial pick for the role of Peacemaker, but he appears unfazed by this fact. The revelation came last week when James Gunn disclosed that Dave Bautista was the original actor intended for the part, but scheduling conflicts allowed Cena to ultimately take on the role. This unexpected chance has given Cena a significant opportunity to showcase his talents.
James Gunn Shares Why Dave Bautista Was the Original Peacemaker
In a recent interview with Howard Stern, James Gunn explained that he had crafted the character of Peacemaker with Dave Bautista specifically in mind. However, Bautista decided to pursue other film projects at that time, partially due to financial considerations. Gunn admitted the production couldn’t match Bautista’s salary demands, which led to Bautista passing on the part.
I wrote the character of Peacemaker for him, and we offered him the role,
Gunn said.
But [he] was offered two movies. We weren’t paying him a lot, so he had to go where the money was.
John Cena’s Perspective on Being a Later Casting Choice
Speaking in a new GQ interview following the release of the fifth episode of Peacemaker’s second season, Cena expressed that he is not concerned about whether he was the first, second, or even fourth choice for the role. Instead, he emphasized gratitude for simply having the chance to play Peacemaker, especially considering his character’s fate in the original Suicide Squad movie.
Well, I mean, first of all, I could care less about being anybody’s first, second, third or fourth pick. Opportunity in life comes to you in a myriad of different ways,
Cena said.
And if I wanted to be salty about like,
“Oh, I wasn’t first pick, that’s beneath me.
I wouldn’t have ever gotten a chance. And keep in mind I got killed off in The Suicide Squad.”
Building a Stronger Creative Relationship on Set
Cena also credited his friendship with Gunn, built during filming of the 2021 movie, as key in securing his role in Peacemaker’s TV adaptation. He believes Gunn’s familiarity with him went beyond Cena’s wrestling persona and allowed the director to understand the depth he could bring to the character. This trust even changed Peacemaker’s storyline—from a character who dies in the movie to one who survives and stars in the series.
I think he saw nuance in the performance he was able to bring out of me. ‘There’s more to this guy. And as a storyteller and as someone who puts words on paper and wants to bring those words to life and be prolific and have depth, I think this guy can help me out and I’d like to try to work with him again.’ So that’s why I ended up in the hospital instead of the morgue.
Dave Bautista Reflects on Missing the Role
Meanwhile, Bautista has acknowledged that passing on the Peacemaker part turned out to be a positive outcome for his career, calling it a “blessing in disguise.” This comment highlights how the role reshaped itself following his decision not to accept it, ultimately launching a new and successful chapter for Cena.
The story behind John Cena’s acquisition of the Peacemaker role underscores how opportunity and timing in Hollywood often intersect unexpectedly. Cena’s acceptance and embrace of the part, combined with his working relationship with Gunn, have allowed him to redefine a character that might otherwise have remained brief. Looking ahead, this dynamic could influence future collaborations and shape Cena’s trajectory in television and film beyond his WWE background.
