Summer 2025 is shaping up to be a thrilling period for DC enthusiasts. Just weeks after the cinematic debut of Superman, which marks the live-action start of James Gunn and Peter Safran's DCU, fans will be treated to another season of Peacemaker. John Cena returns as the peace-loving yet gun-toting Christopher Smith, joined by much of the original Season 1 cast.
The first trailer for Peacemaker Season 2 offers a glimpse 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 antagonistic role, as well as a noticeable absence of Vigilante, let's delve into the trailer's key highlights.
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Freddie Stroma’s Vigilante in Peacemaker Season 2
While it might be tempting to label Christopher Smith, portrayed by John Cena, as the least intriguing character in Peacemaker, he remains a compelling figure. Smith embodies a paradox: advocating for peace while engaging in violent conflict, and adding a layer of humor with his deep-seated compassion. Yet, the show thrives as an ensemble piece, with the supporting cast playing a crucial role in its success, much like the dynamic in The CW's The Flash series. Among these characters, Freddie Stroma's Vigilante truly steals the spotlight.
Vigilante emerged as a standout in Season 1, serving as a humorous counterpart to Peacemaker. His portrayal as a clingy best friend with superhero potential, despite his personal struggles, made for entertaining viewing, even if it diverged from the comic book source material. However, the Season 2 trailer disappointingly showcases less of Stroma's character. While Cena naturally takes center stage, and Jennifer Holland's Emilia Harcourt grapples with her anger, Vigilante appears more in the background, working at a fast food restaurant and grappling with the lack of recognition for his heroics. Fans are hoping the trailer does not reflect his overall involvement in the season.
Meeting the DCU Justice League ------------------------------The trailer begins with an unexpected scene where Peacemaker attends an 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 make his case. This scene provides a clearer picture of the Justice League's dynamics than what was shown in the Superman trailer. This new iteration of the Justice League diverges from the brief appearance in Season 1, adopting a more sarcastic and irreverent tone that aligns well with the Peacemaker series.
James Gunn's vision draws heavily from the Justice League International comics, emphasizing a team of eclectic misfits rather than the traditional powerhouse heroes. Lord serves as the leader and financier, much like in the comics. The scene likely was filmed concurrently with Superman, allowing for the inclusion of Gunn, Fillion, and Merced. While the Justice League may not play a significant role beyond Peacemaker's failed audition, it's refreshing to see their dynamic and the humor Isabela Merced brings to Hawkgirl, promising a more enjoyable take on the character than previous adaptations.
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The Return of Frank Grillo’s Rick Flagg, Sr.
Frank Grillo's portrayal of Rick Flagg, Sr., is a pivotal element in the DCU. After his role in the Creature Commandos animated series and his upcoming live-action debut in Superman, Flagg is set to become a central antagonist in Peacemaker Season 2. Positioned as the main adversary, Flagg's motivations stem from mourning his son's murder and his new role as head of ARGUS, giving him both the authority and moral justification in his conflict with Peacemaker.
This setup promises an intriguing dynamic, challenging Peacemaker's claim to heroism against the backdrop of his actions in The Suicide Squad. Viewers may find themselves sympathizing with Flagg's quest for revenge against Team Peacemaker, adding depth to the narrative.
Making Sense of the DCU Timeline
The direct continuation from The Suicide Squad into Season 2 of Peacemaker highlights the interconnectedness of the DCU. Despite the intention to start anew, elements from the previous DCEU are retained, suggesting The Suicide Squad as the inaugural DCU film. The timeline now unfolds as follows: The Suicide Squad (2021), Peacemaker Season 1 (2022), Creature Commandos (2024), Superman (July 2025), and Peacemaker Season 2 (August 2025), leading into a flurry of new projects like Lanterns and Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.
James Gunn's reluctance to discard his previous work is understandable, as he values the authenticity and passion behind these stories. In an interview with IGN, Gunn emphasized that while canon matters, it's not the be-all and end-all, as these are fictional narratives. Despite this, he acknowledges the challenge posed by the DCEU Justice League cameo in Peacemaker Season 1, hinting at a resolution in Season 2, potentially involving multiverse elements.
The integration of The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker Season 1 into the new DCU allows for continuity with beloved characters like Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn, John Cena's Peacemaker, and Viola Davis' Amanda Waller. As the DCU evolves, clarity on what constitutes canon will likely emerge, and fans eagerly anticipate Peacemaker's return, hoping for more of Vigilante's presence.
