Summer 2025 is poised to be an exhilarating period for DC enthusiasts. Just weeks after the cinematic release of Superman, marking the live-action introduction of James Gunn and Peter Safran's DCU, fans can look forward to another season of Peacemaker. John Cena reprises his role as the enigmatic Christopher Smith, a man who wields guns in the name of peace, and he's joined by many familiar faces from Season 1.
The first trailer for Peacemaker Season 2 provides a deeper dive into the upcoming plot and its connections to both Season 1 and Gunn's The Suicide Squad. With new insights into the DCU timeline and Rick Flagg's surprising turn as the "villain," alongside a noticeable absence of Vigilante, let's unpack the essential points from the trailer.
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Freddie Stroma’s Vigilante in Peacemaker Season 2
It would be unfair to label John Cena's Christopher Smith as the least intriguing character in Peacemaker. Smith is undeniably fascinating—a walking paradox who champions peace yet engages in brutal warfare, all while maintaining a quirky charm characteristic of Gunn's style, with a heart of gold hidden beneath.
However, Peacemaker is more than just its titular hero; it thrives as an ensemble piece. The success of the series hinges as much on its supporting cast as The Flash did on Team Flash. Among these characters, Freddie Stroma's Vigilante shines the brightest. He was the unexpected star of Season 1, serving as a humorous counterpart to Peacemaker—a loyal yet pathetically endearing sidekick who, despite deviating from the comic book version, captivates audiences with his antics.
It's slightly disappointing to see less of Stroma's character in the trailer. While Cena's Peacemaker naturally takes center stage, and Jennifer Holland's Emilia Harcourt gets ample screen time grappling with her anger, Vigilante seems pushed to the sidelines. We see him working at a fast-food restaurant and grappling with the reality that saving the world doesn't guarantee fame. Hopefully, his reduced presence in the trailer doesn't mirror his overall role in the season.
Meeting the DCU Justice League ------------------------------The trailer kicks off with a surprising twist: Peacemaker attending an open interview with the Justice League. Sean Gunn's Maxwell Lord, Nathan Fillion's Guy Gardner, and Isabela Merced's Hawkgirl are present, already dismissing Peacemaker before he can even make his case.
This scene offers a more nuanced glimpse into the Justice League's dynamics than what's seen in the Superman trailer. It's evident that this Justice League differs from the one briefly showcased in Season 1. They're more sarcastic and irreverent, fitting seamlessly into the Peacemaker universe and contrasting sharply with the more serious DCEU version.
James Gunn draws significant inspiration from the beloved Justice League International comics. Here, Maxwell Lord leads and finances the team, and the focus is on a quirky group of misfits rather than the usual assembly of top-tier heroes. These are characters who benefit from the legitimacy the Justice League offers.
It's likely that Gunn filmed this scene during the Superman shoot, facilitating the gathering of Gunn, Fillion, and Merced. While we don't anticipate the Justice League playing a major recurring role beyond Peacemaker's failed tryout, it's refreshing to see more of their interactions and personalities.
Isabela Merced, in particular, infuses Hawkgirl with humor and charm, a stark improvement over the Arrowverse's lackluster portrayal. The new Justice League is shaping up to be a delightful addition to the DCU.
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The Return of Frank Grillo’s Rick Flagg, Sr.
Frank Grillo's Rick Flagg, Sr. emerges as a pivotal figure connecting the DCU's various projects. After starring in the Creature Commandos animated series and making his live-action debut in Superman, Flagg is now set to be a central antagonist in Peacemaker Season 2.
Though calling Flagg a "villain" might be an oversimplification given his motivations, he's a father seeking justice for his son's murder and now heads ARGUS, granting him both legal and moral authority in his conflict with Peacemaker.
This setup promises a compelling narrative arc for Season 2. Despite Peacemaker's transformation and aspirations to heroism, his past actions in The Suicide Squad are indelible. Can he truly atone for his sins? Will audiences sympathize with Flagg's quest for vengeance against Team Peacemaker? It's poised to be an intriguing journey.
Making Sense of the DCU Timeline
Peacemaker Season 2 directly builds on The Suicide Squad, highlighting how elements of the old DCEU persist in the new DCU. The Suicide Squad appears to be the unofficial start of the DCU timeline, followed by Peacemaker Season 1, Creature Commandos, Superman, and Peacemaker Season 2.
Gunn is keen to retain the groundwork laid in The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker Season 1, despite Warner Bros.' delineation between past and future projects. As Gunn mentioned in a recent interview with IGN, the concept of canon is somewhat flexible. What matters is the authenticity and passion poured into these stories.
However, Gunn must address the DCEU Justice League cameo from Peacemaker Season 1. He hinted at resolving this continuity issue in Season 2, possibly through multiverse dynamics, as suggested by a scene where Peacemaker encounters an alternate version of himself in his father's dimension.
With the exception of the Justice League cameo, there's little stopping Gunn from integrating The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker Season 1 into the official DCU canon. This allows continuity for key characters like Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn, John Cena's Peacemaker, and Viola Davis' Amanda Waller, ensuring their beloved portrayals continue in the new universe.
As Peacemaker Season 2 unfolds, the delineation of what's canon in the DCU should become clearer. We eagerly await its return and hope for more of Vigilante's antics along the way.
