What is the "Peacemaker" series about?

The "Peacemaker" series follows the redemption of Chris Smith (John Cena), a character who killed Rick Flag Jr. (Joel Kinnaman) in "The Suicide Squad," and explores how the show made fans care about this obscure DC character.

How has James Gunn's involvement impacted the success of "Peacemaker"?

James Gunn, the showrunner and DC Studios co-CEO, has a proven track record of turning relative unknowns into franchise superstars, as seen with his work on "Guardians of the Galaxy." This has contributed to the success of "Peacemaker" in redeeming and elevating an obscure DC character.

What does the future hold for lesser-known DC characters on television?

The article suggests that the success of "Peacemaker" opens up opportunities for other lesser-known DC characters to get their own television series, as Gunn has indicated he's "probably not going to do certain movies with characters who [audiences] don't know."

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"Peacemaker" Redeems Chris Smith, Elevates Obscure DC Character

1 Nov

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Summary

"Peacemaker" redeems Chris Smith (John Cena) after he killed Rick Flag Jr. in "The Suicide Squad"
Show makes fans care about a foul-mouthed C-grade DC character
James Gunn's track record of turning relative unknowns into franchise superstars

"Peacemaker" Redeems Chris Smith, Elevates Obscure DC Character

As of November 1st, 2025, the DC series "Peacemaker" has achieved the unthinkable: It has redeemed Chris Smith (John Cena) after he killed Rick Flag Jr. (Joel Kinnaman) in "The Suicide Squad" and made fans care about a foul-mouthed C-grade DC character who wears a chromed toilet bowl as a helmet. This shouldn't come as a surprise, considering showrunner and DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn's impressive track record of turning relative unknowns into franchise superstars, as evidenced by the success of "Guardians of the Galaxy."

The DC Universe is brimming with characters, but it's about striking the right balance in terms of where and how to feature them. Gunn has stated that he's "probably not going to do certain movies with characters who [audiences] don't know; it's harder to get people in the theater for that kind of thing." This suggests that the opportunity for certain DC characters to get their own series, like "Peacemaker" did, is a viable strategy.