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Folks say that you can’t see John Cena in the ring. (Cena himself has been known to spout this as fact.) But you can definitely see the pro wrestler in his excellent superhero show.
The action comedy series “Peacemaker” is back for a second season on HBO Max, and has more buzz than ever thanks to “Superman” bringing a lot of eyes to James Gunn’s rejuvenated DC universe. Hop on the bandwagon – and the Peace Cycle – now. The Hulu true-life drama “The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox” also makes our recommendations list this week, as does a global box-office hit featuring an animated Michelle Yeoh.
Now on to the good stuff:
See John Cena as a different sort of superhero in ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2
Those fans new to superhero stuff who watched the blockbuster “Superman” might have wondered why John Cena was in a silver helmet trash-talking the Man of Steel. He’s definitely not a Boy Scout but Cena’s antihero Peacemaker is one of the most unpredictable (and enjoyable) personalities in the revamped DC universe. The second season of HBO Max’s “Peacemaker” is among the bigger TV premieres this week, and the latest round of episodes centers on the title character finding his way to an alternate Earth where he’s a beloved do-gooder instead of a public pariah.
Joining “Peacemaker” in Season 2 is Frank Grillo, reprising his “Superman” role as government operative Rick Flag Sr. I talked with the “Tulsa King” actor about being the DCU’s equivalent of Marvel’s Nick Fury and enjoying his moment in a plethora of major screen roles. Even at 60, he says, “There’s still an 8-year-old boy inside of me that’s looking up going, ‘Thank you.’ “
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Stream the gripping Hulu drama ‘The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox’
The new Hulu drama “The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox” recounts the high-profile saga of how Knox (played by Grace Van Patten) spent years in an Italian prison after being charged with killing her roommate and was finally exonerated. My colleague Erin Jensen talked with the real Knox about the series, finding common ground with executive producer Monica Lewinsky, and reclaiming her narrative. “From my own experience, the first step was surviving. Holding on to the hope that things can change,” Knox says.
Erin also chatted with Van Patten about starring in “Twisted Tale” and how she unleashed a “word-vomit of endless questions” in her first Zoom meeting with Knox.
Catch up with Michelle Yeoh’s latest movie ‘Ne Zha II’
Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh has long been a film force, but she’s mighty even in cartoon form. She stars as the loving mom of a powerful and rebellious boy in the animated adventure “Ne Zha II.” The Chinese phenomenon finally has arrived in U.S. theaters after racking up $2.2 billion globally, making it the most successful animated movie and the highest-grossing non-English language film of all time. My bud Patrick Ryan talked with Yeoh about channeling her own “feisty” mother for the role, the spinal injury that changed her life, and her granddaughter’s strong opinions about her “Wicked” character. “I had my wig on and we did a Zoom call over the phone,” Yeoh recalls. “She goes, ‘Ugh, why is your hair white?! I don’t like!’ “
If you’re more about chillaxing on the couch and streaming some new movies, we’ve got a roundup for that including the Hulu heist comedy “Eenie Meanie” and Netflix rock doc “Devo.”
Even more goodness to check out!
Ron Howard discusses the very bonkers real-life story behind his starry new drama “Eden.”
Sophie Turner breaks out some saucy language talking about tapping into her real-life exhausting pregnancies for her latest thriller “Trust.”
Riz Ahmed breaks down filming his latest thriller “Relay” in New York City and why he doesn’t speak for the first 30 minutes of the movie.
“South Park” continues its assault on President Donald Trump while also spoofing ChatGPT, JD Vance and the National Guard in Washington.
Need a new show or movie and you’re big into astrology? Give Netflix’s Zodiac Watchlist a go.
Got thoughts, questions, ideas, concerns, compliments or maybe even some recs for me? Email btruitt@usatoday.com and follow me on the socials: I’m @briantruitt on Bluesky, Instagram and Threads.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What to watch this weekend: ‘Peacemaker,’ ‘Amanda Knox’
