When director James Gunn took on a soft reboot of The Suicide Squad, he brought in some familiar members, some less familiar characters, and one who was, at best, tangential to the team in the comics. Yet, with a keen eye for casting, the director knew exactly who would make Peacemaker work despite his odd Pat Boyette-designed costume and weird rationale provided by co-creator Joe Gill. Christopher Smith loved peace so much he would violently assure it.
In the form of former pro wrestler turned actor John Cena, the character played it so straight that he was hysterical in an already gonzo film. Apparently, Gunn was so enchanted with the performance that he idly began writing a backstory miniseries and when he mentioned it to producing partner Peter Safran, he was encouraged to sell it. HBO Max snapped it up and it is now available on Blu-ray from Hob Home Entertainment.
In the form of former pro wrestler turned actor John Cena, the character played it so straight that he was hysterical in an already gonzo film. Apparently, Gunn was so enchanted with the performance that he idly began writing a backstory miniseries and when he mentioned it to producing partner Peter Safran, he was encouraged to sell it. HBO Max snapped it up and it is now available on Blu-ray from Hob Home Entertainment.
- 11/23/2022
- by Robert Greenberger
- Comicmix.com
"Peacemaker" is the new 8-episode, live-action 'comedic' superhero TV series, based on the Charlton Comics character, previously appearing in the feature "The Suicide Squad" (2021), starring John Cena, as an 'unhinged' crime-fighting vigilante, with Steve Agee, Danielle Brooks, Robert Patrick, Jennifer Holland, Chris Conrad and Chukwudi Iwuji, who are recruited by 'A.R.G.U.S.' to save the world from a mysterious group known as 'The Butterflies', streaming January 13, 2022 on HBO Max:
"...'The Peacemaker' debuted in Charlton Comics' 'Fightin' 5" #40 (1966), created by Joe Gill and Pat Boyette...
"...following 'Christopher Smith', a man who loves peace so much he is willing to fight for it.
"He used an array of special non-lethal weapons, and also founded the 'Pax Institute' to go up against dictators and warlords.
"Smith later learns his peace-through-violence efforts were the result of a serious mental illness brought on by the shame of having a killer father,...
"...'The Peacemaker' debuted in Charlton Comics' 'Fightin' 5" #40 (1966), created by Joe Gill and Pat Boyette...
"...following 'Christopher Smith', a man who loves peace so much he is willing to fight for it.
"He used an array of special non-lethal weapons, and also founded the 'Pax Institute' to go up against dictators and warlords.
"Smith later learns his peace-through-violence efforts were the result of a serious mental illness brought on by the shame of having a killer father,...
- 12/16/2021
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
"Peacemaker" is the new 8-episode, live-action 'comedic' superhero TV series, based on the Charlton Comics character, previously appearing in the feature "The Suicide Squad" (2021), starring John Cena, Steve Agee, Danielle Brooks, Robert Patrick, Jennifer Holland, Chris Conrad and Chukwudi Iwuji, streaming January 13, 2022 on HBO Max:
"...'The Peacemaker' debuted in Charlton Comics' 'Fightin' 5" #40 (1966), created by Joe Gill and Pat Boyette, following 'Christopher Smith', a man who loves peace so much he is willing to fight for it.
"He used an array of special non-lethal weapons, and also founded the 'Pax Institute' to go up against dictators and warlords.
"Smith later learns his peace-through-violence efforts were the result of a serious mental illness brought on by the shame of having a killer father, who was a vicious officer in The Third Reich during the war.
"He believes his father's spirit haunts him continually, criticizing his every move, even as...
"...'The Peacemaker' debuted in Charlton Comics' 'Fightin' 5" #40 (1966), created by Joe Gill and Pat Boyette, following 'Christopher Smith', a man who loves peace so much he is willing to fight for it.
"He used an array of special non-lethal weapons, and also founded the 'Pax Institute' to go up against dictators and warlords.
"Smith later learns his peace-through-violence efforts were the result of a serious mental illness brought on by the shame of having a killer father, who was a vicious officer in The Third Reich during the war.
"He believes his father's spirit haunts him continually, criticizing his every move, even as...
- 12/3/2021
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
HBO Max teased footage of the upcoming series “Peacemaker” as part of an image spot that aired during the Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday.
The series, set to premiere in January 2022, is based on the DC Comics character created by writer Joe Gill and artist Pat Boyette in 1966. “Peacemaker” stars John Cena in the titular role, reprising his character from “The Suicide Squad.” The series takes place after the events of the film and looks at the origin story of Peacemaker, a complicated hero who strives to achieve peace no matter what — even if it means killing people. Created by James Gunn, who also directed “The Suicide Squad,” “Peacemaker” is the first television series to come out of the DC Extended Universe.
In the new footage, Peacemaker shows up to a dinner in a public restaurant with friends in full superhero regalia. “Why are you in your costume?” one asks.
The series, set to premiere in January 2022, is based on the DC Comics character created by writer Joe Gill and artist Pat Boyette in 1966. “Peacemaker” stars John Cena in the titular role, reprising his character from “The Suicide Squad.” The series takes place after the events of the film and looks at the origin story of Peacemaker, a complicated hero who strives to achieve peace no matter what — even if it means killing people. Created by James Gunn, who also directed “The Suicide Squad,” “Peacemaker” is the first television series to come out of the DC Extended Universe.
In the new footage, Peacemaker shows up to a dinner in a public restaurant with friends in full superhero regalia. “Why are you in your costume?” one asks.
- 9/20/2021
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
"Peacemaker" is the new 8-episode, live-action superhero TV series, based on the Charlton Comics character and the upcoming feature "The Suicide Squad" (2021), starring John Cena, Steve Agee, Danielle Brooks, Robert Patrick, Jennifer Holland, Chris Conrad and Chukwudi Iwuji, streaming January 2022 on HBO Max:
"...'The Peacemaker' debuted in Charlton Comics' 'Fightin' 5" #40 (1966), created by Joe Gill and Pat Boyette, following 'Christopher Smith', a man who loves peace so much he is willing to fight for it.
"He used an array of special non-lethal weapons, and also founded the 'Pax Institute' to go up against dictators and warlords.
"Smith later learns his peace-through-violence efforts were the result of a serious mental illness brought on by the shame of having a killer father, who was a vicious officer in The Third Reich during the war.
"He believes his father's spirit haunts him continually, criticizing his every move, even as he tries to live down his past.
"...'The Peacemaker' debuted in Charlton Comics' 'Fightin' 5" #40 (1966), created by Joe Gill and Pat Boyette, following 'Christopher Smith', a man who loves peace so much he is willing to fight for it.
"He used an array of special non-lethal weapons, and also founded the 'Pax Institute' to go up against dictators and warlords.
"Smith later learns his peace-through-violence efforts were the result of a serious mental illness brought on by the shame of having a killer father, who was a vicious officer in The Third Reich during the war.
"He believes his father's spirit haunts him continually, criticizing his every move, even as he tries to live down his past.
- 5/25/2021
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
"Peacemaker" is the new 8-episode, live-action superhero TV series, based on the Charlton Comics character and spinning-off from the upcoming feature "The Suicide Squad" (2021), starring John Cena, Steve Agee, Danielle Brooks, Robert Patrick, Jennifer Holland, Chris Conrad and Chukwudi Iwuji, streaming January 2022 on HBO Max:
"...'The Peacemaker' debuted in Charlton Comics' 'Fightin' 5" #40 (1966), created by Joe Gill and Pat Boyette, following 'Christopher Smith', a man who loves peace so much he is willing to fight for it.
"He used an array of special non-lethal weapons, and also founded the 'Pax Institute' to go up against dictators and warlords.
"Smith later learns his peace-through-violence efforts were the result of a serious mental illness brought on by the shame of having a killer father, who was a vicious officer in The Third Reich during the war.
"He believes his father's spirit haunts him continually, criticizing his every move, even as he...
"...'The Peacemaker' debuted in Charlton Comics' 'Fightin' 5" #40 (1966), created by Joe Gill and Pat Boyette, following 'Christopher Smith', a man who loves peace so much he is willing to fight for it.
"He used an array of special non-lethal weapons, and also founded the 'Pax Institute' to go up against dictators and warlords.
"Smith later learns his peace-through-violence efforts were the result of a serious mental illness brought on by the shame of having a killer father, who was a vicious officer in The Third Reich during the war.
"He believes his father's spirit haunts him continually, criticizing his every move, even as he...
- 3/1/2021
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Exclusive: Prolific TV creator Matt Miller is extending his long relationship with Warner Bros. TV by renewing his exclusive overall deal with the studio. As part of the new pact, Miller will executive produce Peacemaker, HBO Max’s TV spin-off of James Gunn’s upcoming The Suicide Squad movie, starring John Cena. The eight-episode series hails from Gunn, producer Peter Safran and Warner Bros. TV.
Written by Gunn, who also will direct, Peacemaker will explore the origins of the character that Cena plays in the 2021 movie.
Gunn executive produces with Safran and Miller. Cena, who also is an executive producer, stars along with Danielle Brooks, Chris Conrad, Jennifer Holland, Steve Agee, and Robert Patrick.
Peacemaker is produced by Gunn’s Troll Court Entertainment and The Safran Company in association with Wbtv. It is scheduled to begin production in early 2021, prior to Gunn’s return to the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise.
Written by Gunn, who also will direct, Peacemaker will explore the origins of the character that Cena plays in the 2021 movie.
Gunn executive produces with Safran and Miller. Cena, who also is an executive producer, stars along with Danielle Brooks, Chris Conrad, Jennifer Holland, Steve Agee, and Robert Patrick.
Peacemaker is produced by Gunn’s Troll Court Entertainment and The Safran Company in association with Wbtv. It is scheduled to begin production in early 2021, prior to Gunn’s return to the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise.
- 12/14/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: We can tell you first that Steve Agee, who stars in James Gunn’s upcoming The Suicide Squad movie, is making the jump to the pic’s HBO Max spinoff series Peacemaker starring John Cena.
I hear that Agee will reprise one of two of his Suicide Squad roles, that of John Economos. The character is a warden of Belle Reve Federal Penitentiary and an aide to Viola Davis’ government character Amanda Waller. Agee is a longtime thespian in Gunn’s canon, having starred in the filmmaker’s Super, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and his horror feature production Brightburn directed by David Yarovesky. Agee also is playing King Shark in Suicide Squad.
Gunn is writing the eight-episode Peacemaker series and directing a number of the episodes. More characters from Gunn’s Suicide Squad could make the jump to the series, which explores the origins of Cena’s Peacemaker character,...
I hear that Agee will reprise one of two of his Suicide Squad roles, that of John Economos. The character is a warden of Belle Reve Federal Penitentiary and an aide to Viola Davis’ government character Amanda Waller. Agee is a longtime thespian in Gunn’s canon, having starred in the filmmaker’s Super, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and his horror feature production Brightburn directed by David Yarovesky. Agee also is playing King Shark in Suicide Squad.
Gunn is writing the eight-episode Peacemaker series and directing a number of the episodes. More characters from Gunn’s Suicide Squad could make the jump to the series, which explores the origins of Cena’s Peacemaker character,...
- 10/29/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Streaming service HBO Max has ordered an eight-episode live-action TV series starring John Cena as the "Peacemaker", a vigilante character that debuted in Charlton Comics "Fightin' 5" #40 (November 1966), created by writer Joe Gill and illustrator Pat Boyette:
"...the original 'Peacemaker' was 'Christopher Smith', a pacifist diplomat so committed to peace that he was willing to use force as a superhero to advance the cause.
"Using an array of non-lethal weapons, Smith also founds the 'Pax Institute', confronting both dictators and warlords.
"Smith later learns that his warped 'peace-through-violence' efforts were the result of a serious mental illness brought on by the shame of having a 'Third Reich' commandant for a father. He believes his dead father's spirit haunts him, criticizing his every move, even as he tries to live down his past.
"Becoming a degenerate vigilante, Smith believes that ghosts collect inside his helmet, watching his every move..."
Click the images to enlarge.
"...the original 'Peacemaker' was 'Christopher Smith', a pacifist diplomat so committed to peace that he was willing to use force as a superhero to advance the cause.
"Using an array of non-lethal weapons, Smith also founds the 'Pax Institute', confronting both dictators and warlords.
"Smith later learns that his warped 'peace-through-violence' efforts were the result of a serious mental illness brought on by the shame of having a 'Third Reich' commandant for a father. He believes his dead father's spirit haunts him, criticizing his every move, even as he tries to live down his past.
"Becoming a degenerate vigilante, Smith believes that ghosts collect inside his helmet, watching his every move..."
Click the images to enlarge.
- 9/24/2020
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
HBO Max has called in the Peacemaker – ordering a TV spin-off of James Gunn’s upcoming Suicide Squad movie starring John Cena.
The streamer has handed Peacemaker an eight-episode straight-to-series order for its first season with The Suicide Squad director writing all episodes and directing a number of them.
The show will explore the origins of the character that Cena plays in the 2021 movie.
It marks the latest major DC Comics original on HBO Max and comes after the service revealed it was making a spin-off of Matt Reeves’ upcoming Batman film. DC Universe originals such as Doom Patrol, Harley Quinn, Titans, Swamp Thing, Stargirl, and Young Justice also recently moved to the nascent digital service.
2020 HBO Max Pilots & Series Orders
Gunn and The Suicide Squad producer Peter Safran will serve as executive producers of the series, with Cena as co-executive producer.
Peacemaker will be produced by Gunn’s Troll Court Entertainment...
The streamer has handed Peacemaker an eight-episode straight-to-series order for its first season with The Suicide Squad director writing all episodes and directing a number of them.
The show will explore the origins of the character that Cena plays in the 2021 movie.
It marks the latest major DC Comics original on HBO Max and comes after the service revealed it was making a spin-off of Matt Reeves’ upcoming Batman film. DC Universe originals such as Doom Patrol, Harley Quinn, Titans, Swamp Thing, Stargirl, and Young Justice also recently moved to the nascent digital service.
2020 HBO Max Pilots & Series Orders
Gunn and The Suicide Squad producer Peter Safran will serve as executive producers of the series, with Cena as co-executive producer.
Peacemaker will be produced by Gunn’s Troll Court Entertainment...
- 9/23/2020
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Yesterday, we found out actor and WWE superstar John Cena is in talks to join James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad, and now we know which character he’ll likely play.
Variety’s Justin Kroll initially broke the casting report but has since fleshed out a few more details on Twitter. The biggest reveal: Cena is expected to take on the role of Christopher Smith, Aka the Peacemaker.
Created by Joe Gill and Pat Boyette in 1966 for Charlton Comics, the Peacemaker was acquired by DC Comics in the mid-80s and used sparingly over the last 30+ years. Originally “a pacifist diplomat so committed to peace that he was willing to use force to advance the cause,” Alan Moore used aspects of the character for the basis of The Comedian in Watchmen.
Warner Bros. hasn’t officially confirmed the news, but in the comics, Smith is a jacked marksman who specializes in advanced military weapon systems,...
Variety’s Justin Kroll initially broke the casting report but has since fleshed out a few more details on Twitter. The biggest reveal: Cena is expected to take on the role of Christopher Smith, Aka the Peacemaker.
Created by Joe Gill and Pat Boyette in 1966 for Charlton Comics, the Peacemaker was acquired by DC Comics in the mid-80s and used sparingly over the last 30+ years. Originally “a pacifist diplomat so committed to peace that he was willing to use force to advance the cause,” Alan Moore used aspects of the character for the basis of The Comedian in Watchmen.
Warner Bros. hasn’t officially confirmed the news, but in the comics, Smith is a jacked marksman who specializes in advanced military weapon systems,...
- 4/18/2019
- by Mike Lee
- We Got This Covered
Shudder will take viewers to the place that's "not as brightly lit" this Halloween season, as the 1980s anthology series Tales From the Darkside will be available to watch in its entirety on the horror streaming service beginning October 1st:
Press Release: New York, New York – September 26, 2016 – The AMC-backed streaming service, Shudder, is The entertainment destination for everything you need to watch this Halloween season. Whether you’re a hardcore horror fan or simply looking for the scariest films to celebrate this time of year, Shudder has something for everyone in its sweeping library, carefully curated by some of the top horror experts in the world.
As Halloween approaches, Shudder is expanding its database with a variety of new titles including cult favorites, blockbuster hits, and classic thrillers. Additionally, for the first time ever, Shudder will be offering horror TV series to complement its expansive film library.
Premiering October 20th...
Press Release: New York, New York – September 26, 2016 – The AMC-backed streaming service, Shudder, is The entertainment destination for everything you need to watch this Halloween season. Whether you’re a hardcore horror fan or simply looking for the scariest films to celebrate this time of year, Shudder has something for everyone in its sweeping library, carefully curated by some of the top horror experts in the world.
As Halloween approaches, Shudder is expanding its database with a variety of new titles including cult favorites, blockbuster hits, and classic thrillers. Additionally, for the first time ever, Shudder will be offering horror TV series to complement its expansive film library.
Premiering October 20th...
- 9/28/2016
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
When is a Denny O’Neil column not a Denny O’Neil column? When it’s being written by Man-Child editor Gold. Denny is under the weather – hopefully no longer in pain, as the only thing worse than being sick is being in agony. I know, because that was my situation for half of June and July.
All this means Denny and I are old and, obviously, decrepit. Let me tell you something, kiddies: that sucks. I’ll tell you two other things: it beats the alternative, and therefore if you live long enough for it to happen to you, you’re lucky.
But since we have this space that’s Denny’s, I’m going to say a few words about the old geezer. I can do this because he’s even older than I am, and I was a teenager when I started reading his stuff. I loved...
All this means Denny and I are old and, obviously, decrepit. Let me tell you something, kiddies: that sucks. I’ll tell you two other things: it beats the alternative, and therefore if you live long enough for it to happen to you, you’re lucky.
But since we have this space that’s Denny’s, I’m going to say a few words about the old geezer. I can do this because he’s even older than I am, and I was a teenager when I started reading his stuff. I loved...
- 7/28/2011
- by Dennis O'Neil
- Comicmix.com
Who loves ya baby? No, not Kojak (well him too), Fango does!
And because we love you, we're giving four lucky Fangoria readers copies of Scott Stine's latest Headpress release, Trashfiend: Disposable Horror Culture Of The 1960's & 1970's.
From low budget horror films to grisly comic art, from lurid movie magazines to late-night creature features, from campy monster toys to exploitive poster art, Trashfiend takes a loving look at “disposable” horror culture from the 1960s and 1970s.
Over two glorious decades the horror film waged war on good taste, exploiting every taboo and bursting every envelope along the way. Trashfiend is the definitive guide to the chaotic, creative and endlessly entertaining golden age of horror cinema.
Scott Stine (author of The Gorehound’s Guide to Splatter Films series and founder of the Stigmata Press) shines a fond but satiric light on everything from low budget horror films to grisly comic art,...
And because we love you, we're giving four lucky Fangoria readers copies of Scott Stine's latest Headpress release, Trashfiend: Disposable Horror Culture Of The 1960's & 1970's.
From low budget horror films to grisly comic art, from lurid movie magazines to late-night creature features, from campy monster toys to exploitive poster art, Trashfiend takes a loving look at “disposable” horror culture from the 1960s and 1970s.
Over two glorious decades the horror film waged war on good taste, exploiting every taboo and bursting every envelope along the way. Trashfiend is the definitive guide to the chaotic, creative and endlessly entertaining golden age of horror cinema.
Scott Stine (author of The Gorehound’s Guide to Splatter Films series and founder of the Stigmata Press) shines a fond but satiric light on everything from low budget horror films to grisly comic art,...
- 6/23/2009
- by no-reply@fangoria.com (James Zahn)
- Fangoria
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