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
Take a look at actor Nhut Le as the vigilante 'Judomaster', based on the Charlton Comics/DC Comics superhero character, co-starring in the upcoming action TV series "Peacemaker", streaming January 13, 2022 on HBO Max:
The first 'Judomaster' debuted in the comic book title "Special War Series" #4 (November 1965) published by Charlton Comics, created by Joe Gill and Frank McLaughlin.
His 'secret identity' was 'Rip Jagger', a sergeant in the United States Army during World War II. Jagger rescued the daughter of a Pacific island chief and in return was taught the martial art of 'judo'.
For DC Comics, a different 'Judomaster' was created by Paul Kupperberg and illustrator Michael Collins.
In "Justice League Quarterly" #14 (1994), 'Andreas Havoc', an enemy of 'Peter Cannon' aka 'Thunderbolt', challenged Cannon to battle. The 'Blue Beetle' aka 'Ted Kord', 'Captain Atom' and 'Nightshade' assisted Peter Cannon in battling 'Havoc' in a psychic battle while the new 'Judomaster'...
The first 'Judomaster' debuted in the comic book title "Special War Series" #4 (November 1965) published by Charlton Comics, created by Joe Gill and Frank McLaughlin.
His 'secret identity' was 'Rip Jagger', a sergeant in the United States Army during World War II. Jagger rescued the daughter of a Pacific island chief and in return was taught the martial art of 'judo'.
For DC Comics, a different 'Judomaster' was created by Paul Kupperberg and illustrator Michael Collins.
In "Justice League Quarterly" #14 (1994), 'Andreas Havoc', an enemy of 'Peter Cannon' aka 'Thunderbolt', challenged Cannon to battle. The 'Blue Beetle' aka 'Ted Kord', 'Captain Atom' and 'Nightshade' assisted Peter Cannon in battling 'Havoc' in a psychic battle while the new 'Judomaster'...
- 1/4/2022
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Take a look at actor Nhut Le as the vigilante 'Judomaster', based on the Charlton Comics/DC Comics superhero character, co-starring in the upcoming action TV series "Peacemaker", streaming January 13, 2022 on HBO Max:
The first 'Judomaster' debuted in the comic book title "Special War Series" #4 (November 1965) published by Charlton Comics, created by Joe Gill and Frank McLaughlin.
His 'secret identity' was 'Rip Jagger', a sergeant in the United States Army during World War II. Jagger rescued the daughter of a Pacific island chief and in return was taught the martial art of 'judo'.
For DC Comics, a different 'Judomaster' was created by Paul Kupperberg and illustrator Michael Collins.
In "Justice League Quarterly" #14 (1994), 'Andreas Havoc', an enemy of 'Peter Cannon' aka 'Thunderbolt', challenged Cannon to battle. The 'Blue Beetle' aka 'Ted Kord', 'Captain Atom' and 'Nightshade' assisted Peter Cannon in battling 'Havoc' in a psychic battle while the new 'Judomaster'...
The first 'Judomaster' debuted in the comic book title "Special War Series" #4 (November 1965) published by Charlton Comics, created by Joe Gill and Frank McLaughlin.
His 'secret identity' was 'Rip Jagger', a sergeant in the United States Army during World War II. Jagger rescued the daughter of a Pacific island chief and in return was taught the martial art of 'judo'.
For DC Comics, a different 'Judomaster' was created by Paul Kupperberg and illustrator Michael Collins.
In "Justice League Quarterly" #14 (1994), 'Andreas Havoc', an enemy of 'Peter Cannon' aka 'Thunderbolt', challenged Cannon to battle. The 'Blue Beetle' aka 'Ted Kord', 'Captain Atom' and 'Nightshade' assisted Peter Cannon in battling 'Havoc' in a psychic battle while the new 'Judomaster'...
- 1/4/2022
- 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, 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: Nhut Le has been cast to recur on HBO Max’s Peacemaker as Judomaster.
In DC lore, the character has been seen in three different previous iterations. The first Judomaster premiered in Special War Series #4 back in November 1965, created by Joe Gill and Frank McLaughlin. Originally known as Hadley “Rip” Jagger, he was a sergeant in the World War II U.S. Army. The Charlton Comics character was ultimately sold to DC. A different Judomaster was created by Paul Kupperberg and artist Michael Collins for Justice League Quarterly #14 (1994), in which the new Judomaster assists Blue Bettle, Captain Atom and Nightshade in joining Peter Cannon’s battle against Andreas Havoc. There was also a female Judomaster, Sonia Sato, who was part of the Birds of Prey (#100 in 2007).
2020-21 HBO Max Pilots & Series Orders
Le is a Groundlings and Ucb alum. He’s repped by Ross Grossman at Affinity Artists Agency and Bohemia Group.
In DC lore, the character has been seen in three different previous iterations. The first Judomaster premiered in Special War Series #4 back in November 1965, created by Joe Gill and Frank McLaughlin. Originally known as Hadley “Rip” Jagger, he was a sergeant in the World War II U.S. Army. The Charlton Comics character was ultimately sold to DC. A different Judomaster was created by Paul Kupperberg and artist Michael Collins for Justice League Quarterly #14 (1994), in which the new Judomaster assists Blue Bettle, Captain Atom and Nightshade in joining Peter Cannon’s battle against Andreas Havoc. There was also a female Judomaster, Sonia Sato, who was part of the Birds of Prey (#100 in 2007).
2020-21 HBO Max Pilots & Series Orders
Le is a Groundlings and Ucb alum. He’s repped by Ross Grossman at Affinity Artists Agency and Bohemia Group.
- 2/4/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
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
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