Summer 2025 promises an exhilarating time for DC enthusiasts, with the much-anticipated theatrical release of Superman, marking the debut of James Gunn and Peter Safran's DCU, closely followed by the return of Peacemaker for its second season. John Cena reprises his role as the enigmatic Christopher Smith, with many familiar faces from Season 1 joining him once again.
The first trailer for Peacemaker Season 2 offers intriguing glimpses into the upcoming plot, highlighting its connections to both the first season and Gunn's The Suicide Squad. From fresh insights into the DCU timeline and the surprising role of Rick Flagg as the "villain," to the notable absence of Vigilante, let's delve into the key highlights from the trailer.
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Freddie Stroma’s Vigilante in Peacemaker Season 2
Describing John Cena's Christopher Smith as the least interesting character in Peacemaker would be an injustice. He embodies a complex figure—a man who advocates for peace while engaging in violent conflict, blending Gunn's signature humor with an underlying compassion.
Although Peacemaker is ostensibly centered around its titular character, the series thrives as an ensemble piece. The supporting cast is pivotal to the show's success, much like how Team Flash was crucial to the CW's The Flash series. Among these, Freddie Stroma's Vigilante truly shines, stealing scenes with his comedic timing and unique charm.
Vigilante emerged as a standout in Season 1, serving as a humorous counterpart to Peacemaker—a loyal yet awkward sidekick with potential as a superhero, despite his personal shortcomings. While the series deviates from the comic book version, Stroma's portrayal is so captivating that it hardly matters.
It's somewhat disappointing to see less of Stroma in the Season 2 trailer. While John Cena naturally takes center stage, and Jennifer Holland's Emilia Harcourt is prominently featured dealing with her anger, Vigilante appears more in the background. We learn he's working at a fast food joint, grappling with the reality that saving the world doesn't necessarily bring fame. Hopefully, the trailer doesn't fully represent his role in the season.
Meeting the DCU Justice League ------------------------------The trailer begins with a surprising twist as 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, and they seem to dismiss Peacemaker before he can make his case.
This scene provides a clearer picture of the Justice League's dynamic than what we saw in the Superman trailer. This iteration of the Justice League diverges from the one seen in Season 1, embracing a more sarcastic and irreverent tone, fitting perfectly with Peacemaker's world.
Gunn draws inspiration from the beloved Justice League International comics, where Lord leads and finances the team. The focus is on a diverse group of quirky characters rather than the usual heavy hitters, emphasizing their need for the legitimacy that comes with being part of the Justice League.
It's likely that this scene was filmed concurrently with Superman, allowing Gunn to feature these actors together. While the Justice League might not be a central element in Season 2, this glimpse into their dynamic is welcome, especially the humor and personality Isabela Merced brings to Hawkgirl, a stark contrast to the Arrowverse's version.
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The Return of Frank Grillo’s Rick Flagg, Sr.
Frank Grillo's Rick Flagg, Sr. is becoming a central figure in the DCU, having played a significant role in the Creature Commandos animated series and set to appear in Superman. Now, he's positioned as the primary antagonist in Peacemaker Season 2.
Flagg, Sr. is driven by the loss of his son and his new role as head of ARGUS, giving him both legal authority and moral justification in his conflict with Peacemaker. This setup promises a compelling dynamic, as Peacemaker grapples with his past actions from The Suicide Squad and his desire to be seen as a hero. Viewers may find themselves rooting for Flagg's quest for justice against Team Peacemaker.
Making Sense of the DCU Timeline
The direct connection to The Suicide Squad is intriguing, as it shows how certain elements from the DCEU are being integrated into the new DCU. The Suicide Squad now seems to be the unofficial start of the DCU timeline, followed by Peacemaker Season 1, Creature Commandos, Superman, and then Peacemaker Season 2.
Gunn is keen to retain the groundwork laid in The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker Season 1, despite the new continuity. As he mentioned in a recent interview with IGN, the importance of canon is relative. What matters most is the authenticity and care put into these stories.
Gunn acknowledges the challenge posed by the DCEU Justice League's appearance in Peacemaker Season 1 and plans to address it in Season 2. The trailer hints at a multiverse angle, with Peacemaker encountering another version of himself in his father's dimension, offering a way to reconcile these continuity issues.
With minimal ties to the old DCEU, Gunn can seamlessly transition The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker Season 1 into the new DCU. This approach allows for continuity in characters like Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn, John Cena's Peacemaker, and Viola Davis' Amanda Waller, while potentially leaving room for new interpretations, such as with the Joker.
By the end of Peacemaker Season 2, the DCU's canon should become much clearer. Fans eagerly await the series' return, hoping for more of Vigilante's presence.
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