The “Peacemaker” series took the world by storm in 2022, offering a chaotic, hilarious, and unexpectedly emotional look into one of DC’s most unlikely characters. Spun off from The Suicide Squad (2021), James Gunn’s creation is part superhero comedy, part emotional drama, and all-out madness.
In this blog post, we’re diving into 25 wild facts about the Peacemaker series that every DC fan should know — from behind-the-scenes trivia to character lore and Easter eggs. Whether you’re a long-time comic book lover or a new fan of the DCEU, this is your ultimate Peacemaker guide.
🧠 25 Peacemaker Series Facts You Need to Know
1. Peacemaker Was Never Meant to Get a Spin-Off
James Gunn initially wrote Peacemaker during COVID-19 lockdown, unsure if it would ever get made. But after seeing John Cena’s performance in The Suicide Squad, HBO Max greenlit the show fast.
2. It’s the First DCEU Series
Peacemaker holds the title as the first-ever live-action series set within the DCEU (DC Extended Universe), officially expanding the franchise beyond films.
3. John Cena Wore the Costume Everywhere
Cena committed so hard to the role that he wore the Peacemaker costume to interviews, talk shows, and even the set long after filming ended.
4. The Opening Dance Was Deliberately Awkward
The now-iconic opening credits dance scene to “Do Ya Wanna Taste It” by Wig Wam was choreographed to look robotic and emotionless — a metaphor for the emotional numbness of the characters.
5. The Show Balances Humor with Deep Themes
Despite its raunchy humor and violence, the series explores serious themes like toxic masculinity, trauma, and self-identity.
6. James Gunn Wrote All 8 Episodes
Yes, all eight episodes of Season 1 were written by James Gunn himself, ensuring a consistent tone and voice across the series.
7. It Features Deep DC Lore
The show references obscure DC characters like Vigilante, Judomaster, and even the Butterflies, who are brand-new to many casual fans.
8. Vigilante Was Recast Mid-Production
Chris Conrad was originally cast as Vigilante but left due to creative differences. Freddie Stroma re-shot nearly all of his scenes as the fan-favorite antihero.
9. Eagly Is 100% CGI
Peacemaker’s loyal bald eagle companion, Eagly, was created using advanced CGI and motion capture — and still stole every scene.
10. Peacemaker’s Father Is a Racist Supervillain
Peacemaker’s dad, Auggie Smith, is the White Dragon, a white supremacist supervillain — a storyline that dives into Peacemaker’s traumatic upbringing.
11. The Show Broke Streaming Records
Peacemaker became HBO Max’s most-watched original series in January 2022, outperforming even Euphoria during premiere week.
12. Yes, That Justice League Cameo Is Real
In the finale, Ezra Miller’s Flash and Jason Momoa’s Aquaman made surprise appearances — a rare direct crossover in DCEU series.
13. James Gunn’s Real-Life Partner Stars in It
Actress Jennifer Holland, who plays Adebayo’s partner Harcourt, is James Gunn’s real-life fiancée.
14. The Soundtrack Is 80s Glam Rock Heaven
The series features classic hair metal and glam rock tracks from bands like Wig Wam, Cinderella, and Hanoi Rocks — giving it a unique musical flavor.
15. The Helmet Has Unique Powers
Each helmet Peacemaker uses has different super abilities, like X-ray vision, sonic blasts, and anti-gravity.
16. Filmed Entirely in Canada
Despite being set in the U.S., the show was filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia, due to production costs and scenery.
17. The Show Is Canon to James Gunn’s New DCU
Gunn confirmed Peacemaker will carry over into his restructured DC Universe, including Waller (a spinoff series) and Superman: Legacy.
18. Cena Performed Most of His Stunts
John Cena insisted on doing the majority of his own stunts — including the rooftop fights and forest sequences.
19. Economos’ Beard Joke Was Real
Steve Agee, who plays John Economos, had his beard mocked throughout the show — a running gag James Gunn added after hearing Cena improvise a joke about it.
20. Peacemaker’s Origin Changed from the Comics
In the comics, Peacemaker is more serious and tragic. The series turns him into a deeply flawed but relatable antihero with a dark sense of humor.
21. The Butterflies Are an Allegory
The alien Butterflies are seen as a metaphor for authoritarian control vs. free will, one of the show’s core philosophical debates.
22. There Are Tons of Hidden DC Easter Eggs
From Green Arrow rumors to Bat-Mite name-drops, the show is filled with deep-cut DC Comics references.
23. The Cast Had No Idea About the Justice League Cameo
The surprise appearance was filmed in secret. Most of the cast found out only when the episode aired!
24. Season 2 Is Confirmed
James Gunn has confirmed that Season 2 of Peacemaker is in development and will continue the character’s journey in the new DC Universe continuity.
25. The Show Turned a Joke Character Into a Fan Favorite
Originally a minor comic character, Peacemaker is now one of the most beloved antiheroes in DC, thanks to the show’s success.
