In a delightful twist on the ongoing rivalry between superhero franchises, John Cena, the star of “Peacemaker,” recently expressed optimistic thoughts about a potential crossover between DC and Marvel during a Q&A session at FAN EXPO Dallas 2025. When a fan inquired about the feasibility of him joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Cena initially responded negatively, indicating that he wasn’t cast in any Marvel films at this time. However, he conveyed a hopeful sentiment, wishing for future cooperation between the two studios.
“I would love Iron Man to shake hands with Superman,” Cena stated, envisioning a collaborative superhero universe where characters from both companies could unite. His comments echo sentiments shared by Marvel president Kevin Feige, who has previously expressed the idea that having strong competitors in the superhero genre is essential for the evolution of cinema. This aligns with remarks made by DC Studios’ co-CEO James Gunn, who has also hinted at a recognition of their competitor’s efforts despite some past criticisms.
Historically, DC and Marvel have navigated their rivalry with both tension and collaboration, dating back to the 1970s. Their first crossover, the iconic “Superman vs. The Amazing Spider-Man,” set the stage for potential team-ups that fans dream of seeing on the big screen. Cena’s comments fuel excitement about the hypothetical prospects of character interactions that could delight audiences across both fan bases.
This idea of collaboration among beloved superheroes offers a positive outlook for fans who long for epic battles and team-ups, hinting that the future of comic book cinema may hold more surprises than rivalry. If the two studios can truly “play nice in the sandbox,” as Cena hopes, then we might witness groundbreaking cinematic moments that could redefine the superhero genre.