Suicide Squad is getting a HBO Max spin-off starring John Cena as Peacemaker

(Image credit: HBO Max)

The world of The Suicide Squad is rapidly expanding. John Cena’s Peacemaker – who will first appear in James Gunn’s DC team-up movie next year – is getting his own spin-off series on HBO Max. We didn’t see that coming.

“I'm over-the-moon excited to be working on #PEACEMAKER with my pals John Cena and producer Peter Safran on this new [HBO Max] series from [Warner Bros.],” Gunn announced on Twitter.

Cena added, “Working alongside [James Gunn] on Suicide Squad was an absolute masterclass in how to best bring beloved characters to life in a new and fun way. I cannot wait for the #DCUniverse to experience more of absurdity that is the Peacemaker in this new project on [HBO Max]."

As per The Hollywood Reporter, Gunn will write all eight episodes of the spin-off series and will even direct some episodes himself. It will be his first television directorial credit in over a decade. Guardians of the Galaxy 3 is not expected to be affected by this news.

No story details about The Suicide Squad spin-off are yet known. Peacemaker was one of several anti-heroes announced for James Gunn’s take on the franchise at DC FanDome, though it’s unclear if it’s going to be a prequel or a sequel.

DC is also going all-in on the television treatment elsewhere. HBO Max is home to an upcoming spin-off of The Batman, focusing on Gotham’s police department. That project will be penned by Boardwalk Empire creator Terence Winter.

For more from The Suicide Squad, check out the behind-the-scenes footage from FanDome, featuring some explosive Harley Quinn action, naturally.

Bradley Russell

I'm the Senior Entertainment Writer here at 12DOVE, focusing on news, features, and interviews with some of the biggest names in film and TV. On-site, you'll find me marveling at Marvel and providing analysis and room temperature takes on the newest films, Star Wars and, of course, anime. Outside of GR, I love getting lost in a good 100-hour JRPG, Warzone, and kicking back on the (virtual) field with Football Manager. My work has also been featured in OPM, FourFourTwo, and Game Revolution.