Peacemaker Season 2 Trailer Reveals DCU Timeline and More

Summer 2025 promises an exhilarating period for DC enthusiasts. Following the cinematic debut of Superman, which marks the launch of James Gunn and Peter Safran's DCU, fans are eagerly awaiting the return of Peacemaker for its second season. John Cena reprises his role as the enigmatic Christopher Smith, a character who paradoxically champions peace while engaging in violent conflicts. He's joined by many of the beloved cast members from the first season, ensuring continuity and excitement.

The first trailer for Peacemaker Season 2 offers a glimpse into the upcoming plot and its connections to both the inaugural season and Gunn's The Suicide Squad. From new insights into the DCU timeline and Rick Flagg's antagonistic role to the noticeable absence of Vigilante, let's delve into the key highlights from the trailer.

DC Universe: Every Upcoming Movie and TV Show

View 39 ImagesFreddie Stroma’s Vigilante in Peacemaker Season 2

While calling Christopher Smith, portrayed by John Cena, the least interesting character in Peacemaker would be an understatement, he remains a captivating figure. Smith is a paradox—a man who advocates for peace yet finds himself in the thick of combat. His quirky demeanor and hidden compassion are hallmarks of Gunn's storytelling.

However, Peacemaker isn't solely about its titular character; it thrives on its ensemble cast. The success of the series, much like The CW's The Flash, hinges on the dynamic interplay among its characters. Among these, Freddie Stroma's portrayal of Vigilante stands out. In Season 1, Vigilante emerged as a fan favorite, providing comedic relief and a unique contrast to Peacemaker's intensity. Although the series deviates from the comic book version, Stroma's performance is undeniably entertaining.

It's somewhat disappointing to see less of Vigilante in the Season 2 trailer. While John Cena's Peacemaker naturally takes center stage, and Jennifer Holland's Emilia Harcourt showcases significant emotional depth, Vigilante appears more in the background. We see him grappling with life as a fast food worker and the harsh reality that heroism doesn't always bring fame. Hopefully, his limited presence in the trailer doesn't reflect his role throughout the season.

The trailer kicks off with an unexpected scene—Peacemaker attending an open interview with the Justice League. Characters like Sean Gunn's Maxwell Lord, Nathan Fillion's Guy Gardner, and Isabela Merced's Hawkgirl are present, though they seem unimpressed with Peacemaker's pitch. This sequence not only sheds light on the Justice League's group dynamics but also contrasts sharply with the more somber tone of the Superman trailer.

This iteration of the Justice League draws inspiration from the beloved Justice League International comics, emphasizing a more eclectic and humorous ensemble. Maxwell Lord, as in the comics, serves as the team's leader and financier. The focus is less on assembling the most powerful heroes and more on a quirky group that benefits from the legitimacy of being part of the Justice League.

Filming this scene concurrently with Superman allowed Gunn to feature key members of the Justice League, though they may not have a major ongoing role in Peacemaker Season 2 beyond this cameo. Isabela Merced's portrayal of Hawkgirl brings a refreshing humor and personality, contrasting with the less successful Arrowverse version.

Who Is DC's Peacemaker? John Cena's The Suicide Squad Character Explained

View 9 Images![](/uploads/35/681e7b23cde59.webp>The Return of Frank Grillo’s Rick Flagg, Sr.

Frank Grillo's portrayal of Rick Flagg, Sr., is pivotal in tying the DCU together. Having played a significant role in the Creature Commandos animated series and set to debut in Superman, Flagg now steps into the spotlight as a central antagonist in Peacemaker Season 2.

Flagg's motives stem from the tragic loss of his son, positioning him not just as a villain but as a grieving father. His role as the head of ARGUS adds complexity to his character, giving him both legal authority and a moral stance in his conflict with Peacemaker. This setup promises a compelling narrative, as Peacemaker grapples with his past actions in The Suicide Squad and his quest for redemption.

Making Sense of the DCU Timeline

The continuity between Peacemaker Season 2 and The Suicide Squad is intriguing. Despite the DCU's intent to reset the narrative, elements from the previous DCEU remain relevant. The Suicide Squad can now be seen as the unofficial inaugural film of the DCU, given its frequent references in the new universe.

The DCU timeline is taking shape: 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 universe is poised to expand further with projects like Lanterns and Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.

James Gunn has expressed a desire to retain elements from The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker Season 1, despite Warner Bros.' efforts to distinguish the new continuity. As Gunn mentioned in an interview with IGN, the importance of canon is relative. "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 and plans to address this in Season 2. A scene hinting at multiverse elements suggests potential solutions to these continuity issues. By the end of Peacemaker Season 2, the boundaries of the DCU's canon should be clearer, and fans can look forward to the series' return without compromising on the beloved character of Vigilante.