Frank Grillo praises John Cena's performance in 'Peacemaker' season 2

Published: Aug 18 2025

Frank Grillo, renowned for his portrayal of Rick Flag Sr. in the acclaimed HBO Max series "Peacemaker," has showered accolades upon his co-star John Cena, revealing that he was "utterly taken aback" by the former WWE wrestler-turned-actor's stellar performance. At the glamorous premiere of the show's second season, Grillo openly expressed his admiration for Cena's acting prowess.

In an interview with People magazine, Grillo exclaimed that Cena's Season 2 performance came as a pleasant shock, stating, "[I must] confess, he is the one who surprised me the most, for he is an extraordinary actor. What he accomplishes in this season, particularly, is nothing short of impressive; he shoulders weighty emotional burdens with remarkable grace."

Frank Grillo praises John Cena's performance in 'Peacemaker' season 2 1

The new season delves into Peacemaker's haunting past and his discovery of an alternate universe where life mirrors his deepest desires. Grillo commended Cena for tackling the season's intense subject matter head-on, delivering a mesmerizing performance that showcased the breadth of his acting abilities.

"The material for Season 2 is indeed heavy," Grillo elaborated, emphasizing that Cena's performance stands out as a highlight of the series.

Grillo's admiration for Cena transcends his acting skills. He lauded Cena as "perhaps the kindest soul I've ever encountered," extolling his genuine warmth and professionalism on set.

Echoing Grillo's sentiments, Jennifer Holland, who portrays Emilia Harcourt, termed Cena a "consummate professional" and expressed her gratitude for having such an outstanding partner.

The second season of "Peacemaker" boasts an ensemble cast of remarkable talent, including Danielle Brooks, Freddie Stroma, Steve Agee, Sol Rodriguez, Nhut Le, and Michael Rooker. Grillo heaped praise on the cast, saying, "It's an incredibly deep bench of talent. Every single member is outstanding and accomplished. I've thoroughly enjoyed working with everyone. They are all nothing short of amazing."

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