Summer 2025 is shaping up to be an exhilarating time for DC enthusiasts. Hot on the heels of the theatrical release of Superman, marking the live-action debut of James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DCU, fans are treated to the much-anticipated return of Peacemaker for its second season. John Cena reprises his role as the peace-loving yet gun-toting Christopher Smith, with many familiar faces from Season 1 joining him.
The first Peacemaker Season 2 trailer offers a glimpse into the upcoming plot, shedding light on its connection to both the first season and Gunn’s The Suicide Squad. From new insights into the DCU timeline and Rick Flagg's role as the "villain" to the noticeable absence of Vigilante, let's dive into the key highlights from the trailer.
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Freddie Stroma’s Vigilante in Peacemaker Season 2
While it would be an understatement to label John Cena’s Christopher Smith as the least intriguing character in Peacemaker, his portrayal is undeniably captivating. Smith embodies a paradox, advocating for peace while engaging in relentless combat, yet his character is infused with Gunn’s signature blend of humor and hidden warmth.
However, Peacemaker isn't just about its titular hero; it thrives as an ensemble piece. The supporting cast plays a pivotal role in the show's success, much like Team Flash did for The CW’s The Flash. Among the ensemble, Freddie Stroma's Vigilante emerges as a standout. His character was the unexpected gem of Season 1, serving as a humorous counterpart to Peacemaker—a clingy best friend with superhero potential, despite his own personal struggles. Although the series takes liberties with the comic book version of Vigilante, his entertaining presence more than compensates.
It’s somewhat disappointing to see less of Stroma’s character in the trailer. While John Cena naturally takes center stage and Jennifer Holland’s Emilia Harcourt gets significant focus, dealing with evident anger issues, Vigilante is pushed to the background. We see him working at a fast food joint, grappling with the realization that saving the world doesn't automatically bring fame. Fans are eager for more of Vigilante, hoping the trailer doesn't reflect his diminished role in the season.
Meeting the DCU Justice League ------------------------------The trailer kicks off with an unexpected twist as Peacemaker attends an interview with the Justice League. Sean Gunn’s Maxwell Lord, Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner, and Isabela Merced’s Hawkgirl are all present, seemingly dismissing Peacemaker before he can make his case.
This scene provides a deeper look into the Justice League’s dynamics, contrasting with the brief glimpse from Season 1. This new Justice League is markedly different—sardonic and irreverent, perfectly fitting the Peacemaker tone. Gunn draws inspiration from DC’s cherished Justice League International comics, emphasizing a team of quirky misfits rather than the traditional lineup of iconic heroes.
It’s likely that this scene was filmed during the production of Superman, making it convenient to bring together Gunn, Fillion, and Merced. While the Justice League may not be a central focus in Peacemaker Season 2, this glimpse into their dynamic is a welcome addition. Isabela Merced, in particular, infuses Hawkgirl with humor and personality, promising a more engaging take on the character compared to previous portrayals.
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The Return of Frank Grillo’s Rick Flagg, Sr.
Frank Grillo’s Rick Flagg, Sr. is proving to be the linchpin of the DCU. From his significant role in the Creature Commandos animated series to his live-action debut in Superman, Flagg is now poised to be a major player in Peacemaker Season 2.
Flagg appears to be the primary antagonist of the season, though calling him a villain might be too harsh given his motivations. As a grieving father seeking justice for his murdered son and the head of ARGUS, he has both the authority and the moral justification in his conflict with Peacemaker.
This sets the stage for a compelling narrative in Season 2. Despite Peacemaker's efforts to redeem himself and become a true hero, the actions he took in 2021’s The Suicide Squad cannot be undone. How viewers will react to Flagg’s quest for revenge against Team Peacemaker promises to be a thrilling journey.
Making Sense of the DCU Timeline
The inclusion of Rick Flagg directly ties Season 2 to The Suicide Squad, highlighting how some elements of the previous DCEU are retained in the new DCU. The Suicide Squad now seems to serve as the unofficial inaugural DCU movie, given its frequent references in the new continuity.
A clear timeline is emerging for the DCU. Starting with The Suicide Squad in 2021, followed by Peacemaker Season 1 in 2022, Creature Commandos in 2024, Superman in July 2025, and Peacemaker Season 2 in August 2025, the DCU is set to expand further with projects like Lanterns and Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.
James Gunn is keen to retain the groundwork laid in The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker Season 1, despite Warner Bros.’ efforts to distinguish the new DCU from its predecessor. As Gunn shared with IGN, the importance of canon can be overstated. "Hopefully there's authenticity and truth to those stories because we care about those stories, the characters, the actors, the performers, the animators," he said. "They all care about these stories, but it's not real."
Gunn acknowledges the challenge posed by the DCEU Justice League’s appearance in Peacemaker Season 1. He plans to address this in Season 2, hinting at potential multiverse solutions, particularly with scenes involving alternate dimensions and versions of characters.
With minimal connections to the old DCEU, Gunn can seamlessly transition The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker Season 1 into the DCU canon. This continuity allows for the retention of beloved characters like Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn, John Cena’s Peacemaker, and Viola Davis’ Amanda Waller, while potentially recasting others like the Joker.
By the end of Peacemaker Season 2, the DCU's canon should be much clearer. Fans eagerly await the series' return, hoping for a spotlight on Vigilante alongside the exciting developments in the DCU.
