HBO Max has renewed James Gunn‘s DC series Peacemaker for a second season. Peacemaker is a spin-off from “Suicide Squad,” and stars John Cena in the role of government assassin Chris Smith/Peacemaker. The series first premiered on HBO Max in January.  Gunn, who wrote all eight episodes of Peacemaker‘s first season and helmed five, will write and direct all episodes for the upcoming season.

Gunn said in a statement: “Creating Peacemaker has been one of the true highlights of my life, both professionally and otherwise, with John Cena and the incredible creative team around me, as well as our partners at HBO Max. To have something we all love so much be loved by the audience in turn has been a wonderful experience. I can’t wait for folks to see where team Peacemaker goes in season two!”  Prior to HBO Max’s renewal announcement, Gunn also disclosed that a separate ‘Suicide Squad’ spinoff series based on a different character was also in development.

Said Cena: “I am incredibly honored and humbled by the response to Peacemaker and the experience of playing this character. Thank you to James Gunn, Peter Safran, HBO Max, the crew, and my castmates who worked tirelessly to make this unforgettable series.”

Editorial credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com