James Gunn's Original Choice for Peacemaker: Dave Bautista

James Gunn, the writer-director of *The Suicide Squad* and creator of the *Peacemaker* series, recently revealed that he initially envisioned the character of Peacemaker for Dave Bautista, a fellow WWE star. During an appearance on *The Howard Stern Show*, Gunn explained that he had written the role specifically for Bautista but ultimately had to offer it to John Cena due to financial constraints. Bautista was presented with two other movie opportunities that provided better compensation, leading him to decline the role. Gunn stated, “I wrote the character of Peacemaker for him, and we offered him the role, but he was offered two movies, and we weren’t paying him a lot, so he had to go where the money was.”

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After Bautista's decision, Gunn turned to John Cena, whom he had admired since Cena's comedic performance in the 2015 film *Trainwreck*. Gunn noted, “I had always been a fan of John since *Trainwreck*, especially. I thought he was so, so funny in that movie.” Following a meeting where they quickly bonded, Cena was cast as Peacemaker, marking the beginning of a fruitful collaboration between the two. Cena has since appeared in *The Suicide Squad*, two seasons of *Peacemaker*, and is slated for future projects with Gunn.

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John Cena's portrayal of Peacemaker has garnered critical acclaim, with many praising his ability to blend humor and emotional depth. The character, a jingoistic antihero who seeks peace at any cost, has resonated with audiences, transforming from a lesser-known comic figure to a prominent character in the DC Universe. Gunn expressed his affection for the *Peacemaker* series, stating, “I think I love the Peacemaker show more than anything else I’ve ever done.”

Peacemaker: James Gunn Reveals John Cena Wasn’t 1st Choice for DCU Role

While Cena's performance has been widely praised, some critics have speculated on whether Bautista could have brought a different dynamic to the role. Bautista is recognized for his strong acting skills, demonstrated in films like *Blade Runner 2049* and *Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery*. Some argue that his dramatic range might have offered a unique interpretation of Peacemaker, contrasting with Cena's comedic approach.

James Gunn Almost Cast A Marvel Movie Star As Peacemaker Before John Cena

As *Peacemaker* continues to air its second season on HBO Max, the future of the character within the DC Universe remains promising. Gunn has indicated that he and Cena will collaborate on more projects, further solidifying Cena's role in the franchise. Meanwhile, Bautista continues to thrive in Hollywood, taking on diverse roles that showcase his acting versatility.

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• “I wrote the character of Peacemaker for him, and we offered him the role, but he was offered two movies, and we weren’t paying him a lot, so he had to go where the money was.” — James Gunn, Director

Another Former WWE Champion Was First Choice For Major John Cena Movie Role

• “I had always been a fan of John since Trainwreck especially, I thought he was so, so funny in that movie.” — James Gunn, Director

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• “I think I love the Peacemaker show more than anything else I've ever done.” — James Gunn, Director

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In summary, while Dave Bautista was the original choice for the role of Peacemaker, John Cena's eventual casting has led to a successful partnership with James Gunn, resulting in a character that has become a significant part of the new DC cinematic landscape.

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