Peacemaker creator James Gunn recently delighted fans by sharing a heartwarming video from the set of the show. The clip features John Cena, who portrays Christopher Smith, aka Peacemaker, showcasing his musical talents by playing Queen’s iconic hit, “Bohemian Rhapsody,” on a piano.
This charming moment occurred during the filming of the show’s sixth episode, titled “Murn After Reading.” In this particular episode, Peacemaker plays “Home Sweet Home” by Mötley Crüe, delivering a somber yet poignant performance. The video offers a glimpse of Cena’s genuine skills on the keys, and James Gunn can be heard encouraging him as he plays the famous refrain from “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
What makes this piano interlude even more touching is the contrast it presents within the Peacemaker series. Known for its bombastic violence and broad comedy, the show takes a surprising turn with this piano ballad, which adds depth and emotion to the character’s narrative. Gunn shared that this scene was inspired by a personal experience he had while filming “The Suicide Squad.” He recalled receiving news that his beloved dog was about to pass away and decided to leave the set to be with him. While waiting in his hotel lobby, Cena serenaded Gunn with a rendition of “Where is My Mind?” by The Pixies on the grand piano. This emotional encounter left a profound impact on Gunn and those around him, with tears flowing in the lobby. Gunn expressed his desire to capture some semblance of that moment with the piano scene in Peacemaker. It represents a pivotal moment in the series as it allows viewers to witness a different, more vulnerable side of the titular character.
Peacemaker’s first season, a spin-off from “The Suicide Squad,” was met with widespread acclaim for its humor, character depth, and the outstanding performance of John Cena in the lead role. The show’s success prompted the swift commission of a second season. However, progress on the new season was hindered by James Gunn’s commitments to the relaunched DC Extended Universe and the WGA and SAG-AFTRA Strikes, which disrupted Hollywood productions. Thankfully, recent developments indicate a positive turn, as the WGA reached an agreement with the AMPTP, allowing Gunn to resume writing for Peacemaker Season 2.
Furthermore, fans can look forward to the return of several familiar faces from the first season, as Gunn has confirmed that certain stars, including Freddie Stroma as Adrian Chase/Vigilante, will reprise their roles and may even appear in other DC projects. The future of the DC Extended Universe remains mysterious, but the addition of these beloved characters ensures a sense of continuity and interconnected storytelling.
Additionally, Viola Davis, who plays Amanda Waller, is set to headline her own spin-off series titled “Waller,” with Jeremy Carver, known for his work on “Doom Patrol,” as the showrunner. “Waller” marks the second entry in the revitalized DC Universe, following the Creature Commandos animated series.
Fans of the Peacemaker series can catch it on the streaming platform Max, where its unique blend of action, humor, and heartfelt moments continue to captivate audiences.