John Cena Returns in ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 Trailer: What Can Fans Expect From the New DC Universe?

The wait is finally over. The first trailer for Season 2 of Peacemaker is here, and John Cena is back in action as the foul-mouthed, ultra-patriotic antihero. This time, he’s not just continuing his chaotic journey — he’s stepping into the freshly rebooted DC Universe under the creative direction of James Gunn.

Fans of the first season already know to expect violence, offbeat humor, and emotional depth. But this time around, there are some major DC cameos, deeper character arcs, and unresolved rivalries that promise to take things to the next level.

When Does Peacemaker Season 2 Come Out?

Mark your calendars — Peacemaker Season 2 will premiere on Max (formerly HBO Max) on August 21. The season will run for eight episodes, all overseen by DC Studios co-head James Gunn, who continues to shape the future of the DC Universe.

Jenna Ortega Stuns in Snake-Inspired Gown at ‘Wednesday’ Season 2 Premiere: “I Only Wore Black During Filming”

What’s New in the Trailer?

The new trailer doesn’t waste time diving into the chaos. It showcases John Cena’s Christopher Smith doing what he does best — cracking jokes, smashing heads, and delivering brutal justice in the most ridiculous way possible.

But the trailer also hints at something bigger. We get our first glimpses of Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner (a Green Lantern) and Isabela Merced’s Hawkgirl, both of whom will also appear in Gunn’s upcoming Superman movie. Their inclusion signals that Peacemaker is not just continuing its own story — it’s also becoming an important part of the wider DC Universe.

Twisted Metal Season 2 Review: The Chaotic Car Combat Fans Wanted Finally Arrives

Who’s Returning to the Cast?

The returning cast is stacked with familiar faces from Season 1:

• Danielle Brooks as Leota Adebayo, daughter of Amanda Waller
• Freddie Stroma as the unhinged yet lovable Vigilante
• Steve Agee as John Economos
• Jennifer Holland as Emilia Harcourt
• Robert Patrick as Peacemaker’s disturbing father, Auggie Smith (White Dragon)
• Sol Rodriguez and Tim Meadows in new roles
• And of course, Eagly, the scene-stealing bird sidekick

One of the most interesting additions is Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr. Grillo voiced the character in the animated series Creature Commandos, and now brings him to live-action. Given that Peacemaker killed Rick Flag Jr. in The Suicide Squad, fans are expecting an intense confrontation between Cena and Grillo.

How Does Season 2 Fit Into the New DC Universe?

Season 2 of Peacemaker is officially part of the rebooted DC Universe launched by James Gunn. The reboot began with the animated Creature Commandos and will continue with the highly anticipated Superman film. That means the events of Peacemaker now play into a much larger storyline — and we’re likely to see more crossover cameos as Gunn builds his connected universe.

‘War of the Worlds’ Review: Ice Cube Leads a Clunky, Low-Budget Take on the Alien Invasion Classic

For longtime DC fans, this shift opens the door to more layered storytelling, deeper character links, and a blend of comedy and continuity that the franchise has needed.

What’s the Main Conflict in Season 2?

While the trailer keeps most of the plot under wraps, it’s clear there’s plenty of unfinished business. With Rick Flag Sr. now in the picture, the emotional weight of Peacemaker’s decision to kill Rick Jr. will definitely be explored.

There’s also an indication that Peacemaker is being pulled into larger missions that go beyond Project Butterfly, possibly linking him to more government and superhero operations under A.R.G.U.S.

Expect a mix of personal consequences, cosmic threats, and the usual Peacemaker blend of over-the-top action and emotional breakdowns — all while cracking jokes with zero filter.

Is Peacemaker Season 2 Worth the Hype?

Absolutely. Season 1 surprised audiences by mixing absurd comedy with real emotional depth. John Cena brought a new layer of complexity to Christopher Smith, and the supporting cast elevated every scene.

Now, with James Gunn steering the ship and expanding the DC Universe, Peacemaker Season 2 has the chance to be even more impactful.

Add in the cameos, the unresolved vendettas, and a universe under construction, and this might just be one of the most important — and entertaining — chapters in DC’s new direction.

Peacemaker returns August 21 on Max. Get ready for more violence, more heart, and more Eagly.