John Cena, lead actor in James Gunn's Peacemaker series, is facing backlash after posting show-related content that many believe is in poor taste. The show first aired on HBO Max earlier this year, and it was recently picked up for a second season. Cena's character on the series first appeared in The Suicide Squad, establishing such an impact on Gunn that he proceeded to make a spinoff show dedicated to the superhero.
Cena plays Chris Smith, a mercenary turned superhero. Working as an A.R.G.U.S. agent, he assumes the identity of The Peacemaker and continues his fight against an invasive alien species fixed on world domination. Even though The Peacemaker is the protagonist and responsible for saving the world, his personality is a far cry from traditional superheroes like Superman. The Peacemaker is extremely egotistic, eager to express any assortment of crude or insulting comments to those around him. Cena's personal behavior contrasts that of his onscreen persona, but recent comments have led to accusations of being tone-deaf or insensitive.
A social media post by Cena is not sitting well with many online readers. The short tweet simply expressed his yearning to actually have The Peacemaker's powers in real life. However, the timing and possible motive behind his post have landed him in hot water. Russia began its invasion of Ukraine just two days prior and readers were quick to express their disdain for Cena's thoughts, accusing the actor of using the global events to serve as a catalyst to shamelessly promote his show. Read below to see the statement that caused this backlash.
Click here to see the original tweet on Twitter
Cena's remark was somewhat vague, but its timing was enough to cause a social media firestorm. Numerous readers advised the actor to rethink his words while one went so far as to compare the post with Mark Wahlberg's questionable comments about how the events of 9/11 would have been altered had Wahlberg been on one of the planes. However, there were followers that rebuked the attacks on Cena by saying he merely meant to convey the fact that peace is urgently needed to ease political tension around the globe.
The Peacemaker actor has yet to address any of the social media comments but he has gone on to post several tips about mental wellbeing, like advising people to disconnect or take time off to improve their mood. Cena's advice could be a direct reflection of the controversy surrounding his recent post. There is a good possibility Cena made the remark with innocent intentions but adding the hashtag for his show wasn't the best way to approach the topic. It is probably best to let The Peacemaker fight wars onscreen rather than on social media.
Source: John Cena
