Peacemaker Streams Now on Sunset: John Cena Returns as DC’s Most Unpredictable Hero

John Cena is back in action, and he’s bringing chaos, humor, and unexpected depth to the DC Universe in Peacemaker, now streaming on Sunset. Building off his explosive appearance in James Gunn’s 2021 film The Suicide Squad, this series delves deeper into the life of Christopher Smith—better known as Peacemaker—a jingoistic mercenary whose quest for “peace” often comes at a steep personal cost.

The Premise

Picking up after The Suicide Squad, Peacemaker finds himself assigned to Project Butterfly, a top-secret government task force charged with stopping a parasitic alien invasion threatening Earth. While the show delivers adrenaline-pumping action sequences, it also dives into character-driven storytelling, exploring Peacemaker’s complex relationships with his team and the broader DC universe.

Peacemaker’s Inner World

What sets this series apart is its willingness to examine the man behind the mask. Christopher Smith’s tumultuous past—particularly his fraught relationship with his racist father, Auggie Smith (Robert Patrick), aka White Dragon—shapes the emotional core of the show. Through Peacemaker, the series confronts themes of identity, redemption, and the often-blurry line between heroism and villainy. The series balances these darker themes with biting humor, irreverent antics, and Gunn’s signature R-rated tone, giving fans a superhero story unlike any other.

John Cena’s Career-Defining Role

Critics and audiences alike have lauded Cena for his performance, blending over-the-top bravado with moments of genuine vulnerability. Cena’s Peacemaker is the John Cena WWE fans may have long imagined—a character who’s both larger-than-life and surprisingly human. James Gunn has shared that the role was initially written for Dave Bautista, but Cena’s dramatic range and comedic timing made him the perfect fit. From his ridiculous heroics to his introspective moments, Cena proves he’s a force both in and out of the ring.

A Cast That Shines

Peacemaker’s supporting cast brings an equally compelling energy. Danielle Brooks delivers a standout performance as Leota Adebayo, Freddie Stroma brings intensity as Vigilante, Jennifer Holland plays the icy yet sharp Emilia Harcourt, and Steve Agee provides comic relief as John Economos. Season 2 adds Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr., further expanding the stakes and connections within the DC Universe.

Iconic Soundtrack

The series’ soundtrack is a character unto itself. James Gunn infuses episodes with hard-hitting 1980s hair metal, perfectly reflecting Peacemaker’s over-the-top personality. The opening credits, featuring Wig Wam’s “Do Ya Wanna Taste It,” pair a memorable cast dance number with high-energy riffs, setting the tone for every episode.

Critical Acclaim

Peacemaker has been a hit with critics and audiences alike. Season 1 earned a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, praised for its daring mix of action, comedy, and character depth. Season 2, which premiered on August 21, 2025, has raised the bar even higher, scoring an impressive 99% on Rotten Tomatoes. The show seamlessly transitions into the newly rebooted DC Universe, continuing to explore emotional stakes, character growth, and unexpected storytelling risks.

Expanding the DC Universe

Peacemaker’s influence extends beyond the series itself. A spin-off centered on Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) is in development, promising intersections with Christopher Smith’s story. Peacemaker also appears in the animated series Creature Commandos (2024) and the upcoming Superman (2025), solidifying the character as a cornerstone of the evolving DCU.

Why You Need to Watch

Streaming now on Sunset, Peacemaker offers an experience that’s as entertaining as it is unpredictable. Fans of action, dark comedy, and character-driven storytelling will find themselves captivated by John Cena’s performance, the inventive storytelling, and the show’s audacious energy. It’s a rare superhero series that can make you laugh, shock you, and move you—all in a single episode.

Whether you’re a longtime DC fan or new to the universe, Peacemaker is a must-watch. Stream it today on Sunset and experience the wild, heartfelt, and irreverent journey of DC’s most complicated mercenary.