Summer 2025 is set to be an exhilarating time for DC enthusiasts. Just weeks after the cinematic release of Superman, marking the live-action debut of James Gunn and Peter Safran's DCU, fans can look forward to another thrilling season of Peacemaker. John Cena returns as the enigmatic Christopher Smith, and he's joined by many familiar faces from the first season, promising a continuation of the series' unique blend of action and humor.

The first Peacemaker Season 2 trailer provides a deeper insight into the upcoming plot, illustrating how this season ties back to its predecessor and Gunn's The Suicide Squad. From new details about the DCU timeline and Rick Flagg's role as a "villain" to the notable absence of Vigilante, let's delve into the key highlights from the trailer.

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View 39 ImagesFreddie Stroma’s Vigilante in Peacemaker Season 2

John Cena's portrayal of Christopher Smith, or Peacemaker, is far from uninteresting. He embodies a fascinating paradox—a man who champions peace but leaves a trail of destruction in his wake. His character is a classic example of Gunn's signature blend of humor and heart, making him a compelling lead.

However, Peacemaker is more than just a one-man show. It thrives on its ensemble cast, much like The CW's The Flash did with Team Flash. Among the supporting characters, Freddie Stroma's Vigilante stands out as the show's breakout star. In Season 1, Vigilante provided comedic relief and a unique contrast to Peacemaker's persona, serving as a clingy yet endearing sidekick. While the series may not stay true to the comic book version of the character, Stroma's portrayal is undeniably entertaining.

It's disappointing to see less of Vigilante in the trailer for Season 2. While John Cena naturally commands the spotlight and Jennifer Holland's Emilia Harcourt gets significant screen time, grappling with her anger issues, Vigilante is pushed to the background. We see him working at a fast food joint and grappling with the realization that saving the world doesn't equate to fame. Fans would love to see more of his character, and hopefully, the trailer doesn't reflect his overall role in the season.

The trailer kicks off with a surprising scene where Peacemaker attends 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, and they seem skeptical of Peacemaker from the start.

This scene offers a more detailed glimpse into the Justice League's dynamics than the Superman trailer did. It's a stark contrast to the Justice League that appeared briefly in Season 1, showcasing a more sarcastic and irreverent team. Gunn's influence is evident, drawing inspiration from the beloved Justice League International comics. The focus here is on a quirky group of heroes who need the legitimacy that comes with being part of the Justice League.

It's likely that Gunn filmed this scene during the production of Superman, which would explain the presence of these actors. While the Justice League might not have a recurring role in Peacemaker Season 2 beyond this interview, it's refreshing to see their interactions and the humor they bring. Isabela Merced, in particular, infuses Hawkgirl with a delightful personality, a stark improvement over the Arrowverse's rendition.

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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. After starring in the Creature Commandos animated series and set to debut in live-action in Superman, Flagg is now poised to be a significant 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 now leads ARGUS, giving him both legal authority and moral justification in his conflict with Peacemaker. This sets up an intriguing dynamic for the season, as Peacemaker grapples with his past actions in The Suicide Squad. Will viewers find themselves rooting for Flagg's quest for vengeance against Team Peacemaker? It promises to be a compelling narrative.

Making Sense of the DCU Timeline

The inclusion of Rick Flagg, Sr., directly connects Peacemaker Season 2 to The Suicide Squad, illustrating how certain elements from the previous DCEU are being retained in the new DCU. The Suicide Squad now serves as the unofficial starting point for the DCU, with its events referenced throughout the new continuity.

The DCU timeline is starting to take shape. The Suicide Squad (2021) and Peacemaker Season 1 (2022) set the stage, followed by Creature Commandos (2024) as the first official DCU project. Superman arrives in July 2025, followed by Peacemaker Season 2 in August 2025. After that, the DCU expands with series like Lanterns and movies like Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.

James Gunn has expressed a desire to retain the groundwork laid in The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker Season 1, despite Warner Bros.' efforts to distinguish the new DCU from the old. In a recent interview with IGN, Gunn emphasized that canon is less important than the authenticity and care put into these stories. He acknowledges the challenge of reconciling the DCEU Justice League's appearance in Peacemaker Season 1, teasing that Season 2 will address this issue.

The trailer hints at a possible resolution through the multiverse, with a scene where Chris enters his father's dimension and encounters another version of himself. This could explain away the continuity issues and allow Gunn to seamlessly integrate The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker Season 1 into the DCU. With only a few connections to the larger DCEU, retaining characters like Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn and Viola Davis' Amanda Waller is a logical choice. As for the Joker, that's a different matter entirely.

By the end of Peacemaker Season 2, the lines of canon within the DCU should become much clearer. Fans are eagerly awaiting the series' return and hope to see more of Vigilante in the mix.