As Season 2 of Peacemaker draws to a dramatic close, fans are left asking the same question: will John Cena’s Chris Smith return for a third season? The HBO Max series, a spin-off from James Gunn’s 2021 film The Suicide Squad, has gained a dedicated following for its irreverent humor, over-the-top action, and surprisingly heartfelt moments. But with Season 2 ending on a cliffhanger, the fate of its characters—and the future of the show—remains uncertain.
Season 2 Recap: Chaos, Quantum Chambers, and Consequences
Season 2 of Peacemaker pushed Chris Smith into an increasingly precarious position. After alternating between two dimensions for much of the season, Smith ultimately decided to live in an alternate universe. However, this choice came with consequences: Smith finds himself behind bars as the final episodes unfold, while the Quantum Unfolding Chamber that allowed him access to the alternate dimension falls into the hands of ARGUS, the Advanced Research Group of the United States.
Smith’s emotional turmoil also escalates. In promotional teasers for the season finale, he refers to himself as the “angel of expletive death,” blaming himself for the casualties surrounding him. Meanwhile, the synopsis for the final episode hints at ongoing high-stakes missions: Rick Flag Sr. tasks his team with exploring the Quantum Unfolding Chamber for yet another dimension where his plans can proceed.
The season’s cliffhangers leave multiple questions unanswered: will Smith escape from prison? Who will survive the final showdown? And what larger consequences will emerge from the misuse of the Quantum Unfolding Chamber?
HBO Max Status: Season 3 Renewal
As of now, HBO Max has not officially announced a third season of Peacemaker. A representative for the streaming platform told USA TODAY on October 7, 2025, that they had no information to share regarding a renewal. While the show has a strong fanbase and has been praised for its unique blend of comedy and action, official word from the network remains pending.
Season 1 of Peacemaker premiered on January 13, 2022, followed by Season 2 on August 21, 2024. The more-than-two-year gap between seasons has left fans anxious for updates, and any Season 3 renewal may similarly face a production timeline that could span over a year before release.
Potential Cast for Season 3
Should Peacemaker be renewed, many of the Season 2 cast members are likely to return, though survival of the Season 2 finale will influence the ensemble. The principal cast includes:
- John Cena as Chris Smith / Peacemaker
- Danielle Brooks as Leota Adebayo
- Jennifer Holland as Emilia Harcourt
- Steve Agee as John Economos
- Freddie Stroma as Vigilante / Adrian
- Robert Patrick as White Dragon / Auggie Smith
- Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Jr.
- David Denman as Keith Smith
- Sol Rodriguez as Bordeaux
- Tim Meadows as Langston Fleury
The dynamic relationships among these characters, coupled with their individual arcs, provide fertile ground for continued storytelling if the series is renewed.
Why Fans Are Excited
Peacemaker has carved out a niche within the superhero genre. Unlike traditional superhero fare, it blends irreverent comedy, graphic action, and moments of unexpected emotional depth, making it a standout show on HBO Max. John Cena’s performance as Chris Smith balances bravado with vulnerability, a combination that resonates with audiences.
The show also benefits from James Gunn’s creative vision, which extends the storytelling style of The Suicide Squad into episodic television. Gunn’s signature blend of humor, violence, and heartfelt character moments has helped Peacemaker maintain a loyal following eager for a potential Season 3.
Where to Watch
Seasons 1 and 2 of Peacemaker are available to stream on HBO Max, allowing fans to catch up or revisit past episodes ahead of any potential Season 3. The series is also accessible through Sling + Max, providing multiple options for viewers interested in the show’s mix of action, comedy, and sci-fi elements.
Looking Ahead: What Season 3 Could Bring
If Peacemaker is renewed, Season 3 could explore several unresolved storylines:
- Chris Smith’s imprisonment and potential escape from jail.
- The continued misuse of the Quantum Unfolding Chamber by ARGUS.
- The consequences of Smith’s decision to live in an alternate universe.
- The fates of supporting characters such as Leota Adebayo, Vigilante, and Rick Flag Jr.
With the creative team’s willingness to blend absurdity with character-driven drama, any future season could further expand the show’s unique narrative style.
Conclusion
While HBO Max has yet to confirm a third season, Peacemaker’s combination of humor, action, and emotional storytelling has generated a dedicated fanbase eager for more. The cliffhanger ending of Season 2 leaves many questions unanswered, but it also positions the series for a potential high-stakes and highly anticipated Season 3. Fans will have to wait for official word from HBO Max, but in the meantime, they can stream the first two seasons and speculate on what might come next for Chris Smith and the ARGUS team.