James Gunn Wishes John Cena Happy Birthday, Praises Their ‘Peacemaker’ Bond
DC Studios co-head highlights friendship with WWE legend as production on Peacemaker season 2 continues
Pratibha holds a master's degree in English from Madras University. A bookworm from a young age, she devours books and digital humanities to nourish her writing projects. Pratibha began her writing career in 2018 and has experience writing formal, informal, and technical content.
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Director James Gunn took to Instagram to share a heartfelt birthday message for his friend and collaborator John Cena, highlighting their special bond formed through their work on the hit HBO series “Peacemaker.”
In his Instagram post, Gunn wrote: “Happy Birthday to my pal, @JohnCena, one of the primary reasons why making Peacemaker is more fun than anything in the world. Love you, my friend.” The post was accompanied by an image showing both men together, capturing their camaraderie.
The Gunn-cena Creative Partnership
James Gunn and John Cena’s professional relationship began when Gunn cast the former WWE superstar as Peacemaker in 2021’s “The Suicide Squad.” The character proved so popular that it spawned the HBO Max spinoff series “Peacemaker,” which premiered in January 2022 to critical acclaim.
The series follows Cena’s Christopher Smith/Peacemaker, a ruthless killer who believes in achieving peace at any cost. The show’s blend of action, comedy, and surprisingly emotional character development showcased Cena’s acting range beyond his wrestling persona and previous film roles.
Peacemaker Season 2 Development
Production on the second season of “Peacemaker” is currently underway, with both Gunn and Cena returning to their respective roles as creator/director and star. Peacemaker Season 2 is scheduled to be released on August 21, 2025.
Gunn’s DC Universe Expansion
Beyond “Peacemaker,” James Gunn has taken on a significant role in shaping the future of DC’s film and television universe. In October 2022, Gunn was appointed co-chairman and co-CEO of DC Studios alongside producer Peter Safran, giving him creative control over upcoming DC projects.
One of Gunn’s most anticipated projects is the upcoming “Superman” film, which he is directing from his own screenplay. The film, starring David Corenswet as the Man of Steel is scheduled for release on July 11, 2025.
The Cena-gunn Friendship
Beyond their professional collaboration, Gunn and Cena appear to have developed a genuine friendship. Gunn’s birthday message highlights how much he values working with Cena, specifically noting that the actor is “one of the primary reasons why making Peacemaker is more fun than anything in the world.”
This isn’t the first time Gunn has spoken highly of Cena. In previous interviews, he has praised the former wrestler’s work ethic, comedic timing, and dramatic abilities. The success of their partnership has helped establish Cena as a versatile actor capable of carrying both action sequences and emotional scenes.
For Cena, whose 48th birthday Gunn was celebrating, the role of Peacemaker represents one of his most critically acclaimed performances, further cementing his transition from wrestling superstar to respected actor.
As both “Peacemaker” season 2 and Gunn’s “Superman” film continue development, fans can expect to see more of the creative energy that has made Gunn one of the most influential figures in superhero entertainment today.
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