The writer/director of the HBO Max series "Peacemaker," James Gunn, took to Twitter his message to jittery fans who are worried about a Season 2 following the unexpected "Batgirl" cancellation, as per the Deadline.
Director Assures Fans that 'Peacemaker' is Still in Production
One fan on Twitter posted "Is 'Peacemaker' Season 2 safe?" after "Batgirl" was shelved by Warner Bros. Discovery management. Gunn gave a brief but powerful answer, "Yes, guys, calm down."
Is Peacemaker Season 2 safe?
— TomMCJL 💥⚒️ (@TomMCJL) August 2, 2022
Later on, the director posted a behind-the-scenes photo from the "Peacemaker" Season 2 set showing actor Jennifer Holland full of movie prop blood all over her face while eating a salad, as per Variety. Holland plays Emilia Harcourt on the show.
The image simply illustrates that "Peacemaker" Season 2 is still in production and everything is proceeding according to plan.
Viewers are wondering about the future of HBO Max as rumors continue to spread around about the potential merging of the streamer and Discovery+.
Viewers are starting to question if HBO Max is in turmoil following the recent decision to shelve "Batgirl" and to quietly remove other Warner Bros. films off the streamer.
Rumors are also circulating that HBO Max will be reducing budget on scripted programming. However, as far as "Peacemaker" is concern, Gunn assured that the series is "safe" and is moving ahead with Season 2.
"Peacemaker," is a spinoff of Gunn's movie "The Suicide Squad," which starred John Cena in the title role. When it debuted at the beginning of 2022, it was a big hit for HBO Max. In February, a second season was officially announced.
"The Suicide Squad" debuted on the same day in August 2021 in theaters and on HBO Max. The film earned positive reviews. Cena eventually led the "Peacemaker" spinoff in January 2022.
Read Also: $90 Million 'Batgirl' HBO Max Movie Will No Longer Release in Platforms, Theaters
Movies that Warner Bros. Discovery Shelved
Despite being in post-production already, Warner Bros. Discovery decided to cancel "Batgirl" starring Leslie Grace in the title role of Barbara Gordon, as per an iTech Post report. The movie will no longer be released in theaters or even on HBO Max.
"Batgirl" is initially designed to be an HBO Max release. However, it was eventually considered for theatrical distribution. But Due to COVID issues and shutdowns, the budget for filming ballooned to $90 million.
In spite of reshoots and increased in budget, the management of Warner Bros. Discovery still eventually decided to cancel the movie.
Accordingly, "Batgirl" was cancelled because Warner Bros. Discovery executive David Zaslav and new Warner Bros. head Michael De Luca wanted to reduce costs and concentrate on films for theaters.
Moreover, the management wanted to create DC titles for big theatrical event films, and unfortunately, "Batgirl" doesn't fall in that category.
According to an iTech Post report, the script for "Batgirl" is not made for theatrical release and the movie is not produced for theater.
Aside from "Batgirl," Warner Bros. Discovery has also decided to shelve the animated feature "Scoob!: Holiday Haunt" having a budget of around $40 million.
