With its mix of returning cast members and new additions to the team, James Gunn's The Suicide Squad appears to serve as both a sequel and a soft reboot of David Ayer's Suicide Squad, but John Cena has a different perspective. While speaking with Observer, Cena was asked how he would classify the film, and after giving his answer, the actor went on to claim that no matter what your expectations of the movie are… you're just not ready for what it has in store.
Perception is everything, and I won’t change your perception. But I’ll offer my own. The Suicide Squad is neither a sequel nor reboot. The Suicide Squad is the Suicide Squad from the brain of one of the most amazingly twisted creative minds in James Gunn that I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. James is so gifted in so many ways. The good thing about what’s going on with The Suicide Squad is exactly what you’re saying. People are kind of expecting to be something. But nobody’s ready to see this movie. Everyone needs it in their life, trust me. But nobody’s ready to see what it is. Nobody.
I could certainly use some unpredictable craziness right about now… of the positive variety. In addition to playing Peacemaker in The Suicide Squad, John Cena is also reprising the role for an HBO Max TV series set to debut next year. "We’re almost through filming [the Peacemaker series], we almost have everything in the can," Cena said. "It’s really fun. You may think I’m front and center, but we have an all-star cast and everyone slays. I think it’s going to go do good for how people view elements of the DC Universe. Whether it continues to weave the web and further the DC Universe, that’s up to you guys. But I think it’ll be an awesome, awesome journey."
The official synopsis for The Suicide Squad:
Welcome to hell — a.k.a. Belle Reve, the prison with the highest mortality rate in the US of A. Where the worst Super-Villains are kept and where they will do anything to get out—even join the super-secret, super-shady Task Force X. Today’s do-or-die assignment? Assemble a collection of cons, including Bloodsport, Peacemaker, Captain Boomerang, Ratcatcher 2, Savant, King Shark, Blackguard, Javelin and everyone’s favorite psycho, Harley Quinn. Then arm them heavily and drop them (literally) on the remote, enemy-infused island of Corto Maltese.
The Suicide Squad is slated to hit theaters and HBO Max on August 6, 2021. The Peacemaker TV seres will debut on HBO Max in January 2022.