Eagly: the Feathered Heart of 'Peacemaker'

Written By

Derek Scott

23786 Words

Area of Interest

Media We Love

Read Time 4 min

Updated On Sep 23rd 2025

🦅 A deep dive into the eagle above all eagles

In the chaotic, glam-rock-fueled world of James Gunn's Peacemaker, where anti-heroes grapple with daddy issues, one character soars above the rest without uttering a single word: Eagly. This isn't just any bald eagle; he's a hug-giving, foe-shredding, scene-stealing symbol of loyalty and absurdity.

Eagly has captured the hearts of fans and flooded the internet with memes, but how did this CGI marvel come to life? Let's dive into the feathers and folklore of the DC Universe, from his comic book origins to his status as a breakout television star.

Who Is Eagly? From Comic Motif to Best Friend

Eagly made his unforgettable debut in the HBO Max series Peacemaker, a spin-off from 2021's The Suicide Squad. He is the fiercely loyal companion and, arguably, the only true friend of Christopher Smith, a.k.a. Peacemaker (John Cena). More than just comic relief, Eagly serves as his owner's emotional anchor, offering surprisingly tender hugs and unwavering support.

While the character of Eagly was created for the show, Peacemaker's association with eagles is rooted in the DC Comics, where the bird symbolized a twisted take on American patriotism. James Gunn brilliantly expanded on this by giving him a name and a distinct personality. The legendary Dee Bradley Baker, known for voicing countless creatures in franchises like Star Wars, provides Eagly's screeches and squawks, adding layers of character to the CGI creation. As Gunn himself has said, he knew Eagly was destined to be the "true star" of the show.

From Pixels to Perfection: The CGI Magic Behind the Bird

Sorry to burst your bubble, but Eagly isn't a real, trained bird. He's a stunning CGI creation brought to life by Wētā FX, the acclaimed visual effects studio behind The Lord of the Rings and Avatar.

The team meticulously studied real bald eagles to ensure every movement, from the ruffling of feathers to his majestic flight, felt authentic. The process was so detailed that the digital model for Eagly boasts over 9,000 individually rendered feathers—about 2,000 more than a real bald eagle—to give him an extra "fluffy" and expressive look on screen.

Interestingly, the production team initially tried using a real eagle, but the bird was completely uncooperative. The plan was quickly scrapped in favor of a fully digital approach. On set, actors would interact with stand-ins, with the photorealistic Eagly being layered in during post-production. This digital craftsmanship allows Eagly to seamlessly switch from brutal combatant to a creature capable of a gentle, heartfelt hug.

The Team Behind the Talons

Creating a character as beloved as Eagly was a massive collaborative effort. At Wētā FX, the work was spearheaded by VFX supervisors like Guy Williams, who ensured the animation was flawless. On the production side, James Gunn's vision was the driving force, dictating Eagly's personality and key moments.

The on-screen chemistry is a testament to the actors, especially John Cena, who had to perform many of his scenes opposite an empty space or a prop. Dee Bradley Baker's vocal performance was the final, crucial piece, turning a silent digital model into a character who could communicate emotion through chirps and calls alone. It's a perfect example of how dozens of artists, animators, and performers work in harmony to make the impossible feel real.

Voices from the Nest: Creator Commentary

The creators have been overwhelmingly enthusiastic about their feathered star.

In interviews, James Gunn has frequently shared anecdotes about Eagly's creation, including the failed attempt to use a real bird and his decision to lean into CGI for both creative freedom and animal welfare.
Dee Bradley Baker has discussed his process for finding Eagly's "voice," blending authentic eagle calls with sounds that convey a broader emotional range, from affection to aggression.
Behind-the-scenes featurettes, like HBO Max's "Meet Eagly", show the cast and crew's universal love for the character, with John Cena joking about being constantly upstaged by his avian co-star.

A Feathered Force in the DCU

Eagly is far more than a sidekick. He represents the heart of Peacemaker, offering a bridge between the show's outrageous violence and its surprising emotional depth. He is a symbol of unconditional loyalty in a world of betrayal and moral ambiguity.

With his return confirmed for the highly anticipated second season, Eagly has solidified his place as a fan-favorite icon. In a universe filled with capes and gods, he reminds us that sometimes the most heroic figure is the one who's simply there for a friend. Keep your eyes on the skies—Eagly's flight is far from over.

Feedback

What do you think? Are you a fan of the show Peacemaker and Eagly? If so what do you think about the animation? Are you impressed? Please let me know, leave a comment that covers what you thought of Eagly and what you thought of this article about him. Thanks for reading!