DC has been holding it down in film and television for decades, and they have proven time and time again that they can craft a fantastic project. They have had their share of duds, but when they get it right, few studios can keep up with them.
Peacemaker is off and running on HBO, and the series has been a major success. John Cena has been excellent as the lead character, and it's amazing to see him thriving after losing out on multiple superhero roles previously.
As great as Cena is on the show, Freddie Stroma has been stealing the spotlight as Vigilante. Another actor had the role before Stroma, but he was replaced during production. Let's find out why!
'Peacemaker' Has Been An Amazing Series
Debuting earlier in January, Peacemaker has been a breath of fresh air on TV. Fans saw what the character could bring to the table in The Suicide Squad, but few could have predicted just how great this show would be on HBO
The James Gunn-led project, which stars John Cena, Jennifer Holland, and Danielle Brooks, has taken the superhero genre to new heights with its refreshing take. Instead of sticking to a family-friendly set of rules, this show is chaotic in the best way possible, and people cannot get enough of it.
John Cena was excellent as Peacemaker in The Suicide Squad, but having his own series has allowed him to showcase his underrated acting chops. Cena has been making huge strides as a performer, and this series shows that he has the potential to become a massive star in the world of acting.
Peacemaker has a lot going for it, but one standout element from the show has been the character, Vigilante.
Vigilante Is Played By Freddie Stroma
Since debuting on the show, Vigilante has been an amazing presence, and he is brilliantly played by actor Freddie Stroma.
The actor had done a bit of everything before landing the role, and while people were familiar with him, this time on Peacemaker is taking his career to new heights.
Vigilante is insane in his own way, and Stroma's understanding of the character has benefited his performance tremendously.
"He’s definitely a psychopath. [Peacemaker]’s trying to figure out where he is on the moral spectrum. That’s what he’s trying to figure out through the show. And then, Vigilante represents what he was before. Maybe not quite as psychotic," said Stroma.
Despite his character's flaws, Stroma has separately said that he had fun with playing the character on the show.
"He’s so fun. He’ll have moments where he does understand and moments where he doesn’t. It’s very apparent when you read the sides which are the moments he doesn’t. As an actor that’s a fun place to be in because you get to create your own internal monologue," said Stroma.
Stroma is a natural in the role, but someone else had the job before he secured the bag.
Vigilante Was Originally Played By Chris Conrad
Before Freddie Stroma took over as Vigilante, actor Chris Conrad was the man in the role. Conrad got deep into production before exiting the series, and this was what opened up the chance for Stroma to get the gig.
Turns out, creative differences led to Conrad's departure from Peacemaker.
According to Gunn, "Yeah. He [Stroma] came in late. We had already shot five-and-a-half episodes with another actor, who’s an incredibly talented guy, but we were on different pages about certain things, and I don’t think he wanted to continue on the series in the long run. So we brought Freddie in, five-and-a-half episodes in, and I reshot all of his scenes, and you’re the first person who asked me that question, which I’m surprised by."
Having to recast and bring on a new actor was a difficult undertaking, for all involved, but Gunn and the rest of the cast and crew were able to pull this off to great success. Stroma himself was able to enter the fold and deliver the goods, and everyone was welcoming to the performer.
"It is true. I came in a little later to the project. It could be a little intimidating because everyone had been working together and I was the new kid on set. But everyone was so lovely. This is just the best group of people," the actor told ET.
Stroma has been an incredible addition to the hit show, and some fans would argue that Vigilante has become the show's most popular and loved character, next to Eagly, of course.