Frank Grillo and John Cena attend the ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2 premiere.Credit : Michael Loccisano/WireImage; John Nacion/Variety via Getty

NEED TO KNOW

Frank Grillo revealed what “surprised” him about working with John Cena in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE
The pair star together in Peacemaker, which premieres its second season on HBO Max on Aug. 21
Peacemaker also stars Jennifer Holland, Danielle Brooks, Freddie Stroma, Steve Agee and Sol Rodriguez, among others

Frank Grillo says he was left “surprised” by John Cena during their time working together on Peacemaker.

While attending the premiere for the show’s second season, the actor, 60, told PEOPLE that the WWE pro-wrestler turned actor, 48, delivered a performance that caught him off guard — in the best way.

“[I’ve] got to tell you, he surprised me the most because he’s an amazing actor,” said Grillo. “What he does on this show, with this season specifically, he’s got some heavy weights to lift.”

The second season of the HBO Max series will see Cena’s Peacemaker “face his traumatic past and take the future into his own hands” as he “discovers an alternate world where life is everything he wishes it could be,” according to an official synopsis.

John Cena in ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2.Jessica Miglio/Max

Grillo, who plays Rick Flag Sr. — someone who finds himself at odds with Peacemaker — said that the “material’s heavy” for the second season, but despite this, Cena stepped up and delivered.

The Resurrection of Charles Manson star added that his admiration for Cena goes beyond his acting talent. As he explained, his costar was also an exceptionally genuine person to be around.

“He’s maybe the nicest guy I’ve ever met in my life,” Grillo told PEOPLE.

Frank Grillo in ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2.Jessica Miglio/Max

His sentiments also extended to the rest of the show’s stars.

“It’s an amazingly deep cast. Like, everyone is really great and accomplished. So, I’ve had a ball with everyone. I really have. They’re all amazing,” Grillo said.

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Grillo wasn’t the only one who praised Cena on the red carpet.

Jennifer Holland, who plays Emilia Harcourt on the show, said that it has been “amazing” getting to work with the Heads of State star.

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John Cena, Danielle Brooks, Jennifer Holland and Freddie Stroma on ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2.HBO Max

“John’s seen as a consummate professional, … and we’re all just doing our best to service the story, so it was just an incredible experience,” she said. “I couldn’t have asked for a better, more professional partner than John in this whole ride from season 1 to season 2, honestly.”

Season 2 of Peacemaker also stars Danielle Brooks, Freddie Stroma, Steve Agee, Sol Rodriguez, Nhut Le and Michael Rooker. The series is created and directed by James Gunn.