The first look at Peacemaker season 2 is here

Shortly before the end of the DC Extended Universe franchise, it spawned its first and only TV series. Peacemaker was led by John Cena, who reprised his role from The Suicide Squad movie, which was directed by James Gunn. Gunn produced the series, which streamed on the Max platform (formerly HBO Max) in early 2022. It was quickly renewed for a second season prior to Warner Bros. / Discovery merger.

When DC Studios came into effect, it was announced that the DCEU would end, making way for a new DC Universe instead. But Peacemaker would carry on in the new continuity, helped by the fact that Gunn was one of the new studio's co-chairmen and CEOs (along with Peter Safran). It's a bit confusing, because some events from season 1 will remain canon while others won't, but the good news is that the show will return for another outing and it will be canon to the new DCU.

What's equally as exciting is that season 2 is beginning to come to fruition, with James Gunn giving us a first look from the set.

James Gunn shares new sneak peek at Peacemaker season 2 in set photo

James Gunn has given fans a glimpse inside the set of Peacemaker season 2 with a new look at John Cena's iconic silver helmet. It's a new helmet too and we get to see it in all its glory here, as the photo provides something of a first clear look at it. The sneak peek came via a tribute to the character that Gunn posted on his Instagram account in honor of the anniversary of the character's comic book debut.

The post begins with a look at the classic comic book in which Christopher Smith made his debut as the Peacemaker, and on the second slide is the first look at John Cena's instantly recognizable mask and suit.

Peacemaker made his debut in Fightin' 5 issue No. 40 back in 1966, created by Joe Gill and Pat Boyette. He remained a constant in the world of DC in the years after that, but he never quite achieved mainstream status until Cena portrayed him in The Suicide Squad. The outlandish portrayal of the character merged well with that 2021 movie, and received a strong response from fans - many of whom hated Peacemaker because of how arrogant and annoying he was. That was the point, so it was a big win for both Cena and Gunn.

Few ever expected him to receive a spinoff, and even fewer expected to fall in love with the character. But that's exactly what happened in Peacemaker, as Christopher Smith and his not-so-merry band of assassins ended up becoming major fan-favorite characters. Moreover, response to the show was incredibly positive, with many regarding it as one of the DCEU's very best titles.

Season 2 commenced production earlier this summer, while Gunn was still directing Superman, which is set to kick off the live-action aspect of the DC Universe (which officially kicks off with animated series Creature Commandos this December). As a result, he isn't directing as many episodes of Peacemaker this time around. However, he will still be involved in the creative process and will direct some of the installments.

Gunn has a knack for making lesser-known superheroes and villains into cinematic icons. His work on Guardians of the Galaxy turned the titular group of heroes into box office phenomenons, with each of the characters becoming beloved aspects of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He has done it again with Peacemaker, and it's because of that that fans are eager to see season 2 when it premieres.