Summer 2025 is set to be an exhilarating period for DC enthusiasts. Following the theatrical release of Superman, which marks the debut of James Gunn and Peter Safran's DCU, fans can look forward to the return of Peacemaker for its second season. John Cena reprises his role as the gun-wielding, peace-promoting Christopher Smith, joined by many familiar faces from Season 1.
The first trailer for Peacemaker Season 2 provides a glimpse into the upcoming plot, illustrating how it ties back to the first season and Gunn's film, The Suicide Squad. From new insights into the DCU timeline and Rick Flagg's role as the "villain" to the notable absence of Vigilante, here's a breakdown of the key points from the trailer.
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Freddie Stroma’s Vigilante in Peacemaker Season 2
While it might be unfair to label John Cena's Christopher Smith as the least compelling character in Peacemaker, he is undeniably intriguing. He embodies a paradox—advocating for peace while engaging in violent conflicts, yet his character is laced with humor and a hidden warmth, signature traits of Gunn's style.
However, Peacemaker isn't solely about its titular character; it thrives as an ensemble piece. The supporting cast is vital to the series' success, much like how The CW’s The Flash relied on Team Flash. Among these characters, Freddie Stroma's Vigilante truly stands out. He became the breakout star of Season 1, serving as a humorous counterpoint to Peacemaker—a loyal yet melancholic sidekick whose comic book adaptation might not be accurate but is certainly entertaining.
It's somewhat disappointing to see less of Vigilante in the Season 2 trailer. While Cena naturally commands much of the spotlight, and Jennifer Holland's Emilia Harcourt showcases her struggle with anger, Vigilante's role seems diminished. We see him working at a fast-food restaurant and grappling with the realization that heroism doesn't always bring fame. Fans hope this isn't indicative of his overall presence in the new season.
Meeting the DCU Justice League ------------------------------The trailer starts with a surprising scene where Peacemaker attends an open interview with the Justice League. Sean Gunn's Maxwell Lord, Nathan Fillion's Guy Gardner, and Isabela Merced's Hawkgirl are present, seemingly dismissing Peacemaker without giving him a fair chance. This scene offers a deeper insight into the Justice League's dynamics than what the Superman trailer reveals. This iteration of the Justice League is more sarcastic and irreverent, fitting well with Peacemaker's tone.
Gunn's influence from the beloved Justice League International comics is evident. In this version, Lord acts as the team's leader and financier, emphasizing a group of quirky misfits rather than the traditional powerhouse heroes. The scene likely was filmed during the Superman production to efficiently cast Gunn, Fillion, and Merced. While the Justice League might not be a central focus in Peacemaker Season 2, this glimpse is valuable for understanding their dynamic.
Isabela Merced's portrayal of Hawkgirl is particularly noteworthy, bringing humor and personality to the role, a refreshing change from the Arrowverse's less successful take. The new Justice League promises 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. is becoming a pivotal figure in the DCU, having played a significant role in the Creature Commandos animated series and set to make his live-action debut in Superman. Now, he's poised to be a central antagonist in Peacemaker Season 2.
Flagg's role as the "villain" is nuanced; he's a father seeking justice for his son's murder and the new head of ARGUS, giving him both legal authority and moral justification in his conflict with Peacemaker. This setup promises a compelling narrative, challenging Peacemaker's redemption arc and forcing viewers to consider the moral complexities of his past actions in The Suicide Squad. The tension between Flagg's quest for revenge and Peacemaker's desire to be seen as a hero should make for an engaging storyline.
Making Sense of the DCU Timeline
The direct connection to The Suicide Squad in Season 2 highlights how the DCU is building upon elements of the previous DCEU. The Suicide Squad can now be seen as the unofficial start of the DCU, with its events being referenced in subsequent projects. The timeline is becoming clearer: The Suicide Squad (2021), Peacemaker Season 1 (2022), Creature Commandos (2024), Superman (July 2025), and Peacemaker Season 2 (August 2025), followed by an expansion with shows like Lanterns and movies like Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.
James Gunn is keen on retaining the groundwork laid in The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker Season 1, despite the new continuity. As he mentioned in an interview with IGN, canon is less important than the authenticity and truth of the stories and characters. Gunn acknowledges the challenge posed by the DCEU Justice League's cameo in Peacemaker Season 1, hinting that Season 2 will address this continuity issue, possibly through the multiverse concept introduced in the trailer.
The integration of The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker Season 1 into the DCU allows for continuity with characters like Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn, John Cena's Peacemaker, and Viola Davis' Amanda Waller. By the end of Peacemaker Season 2, the DCU's canon should be much clearer, and fans are eagerly anticipating its return, hoping for more of Vigilante's presence.
