James Gunn: "Peacemaker" season 2 should be more closely linked to the DCU

More than three years after the launch of the acclaimed DC series "Peacemaker ", the second season is finally in the starting blocks. In an interview with the industry magazine Entertainment Weekly, Gunn revealed that the sequel will be even more closely linked to the new DC cinematic universe.

The trailer for "Peacemaker" season 2 already revealed that Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, Isabela Merced in the role of Hawk Girl and Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr. will be featured, among others. These are all characters who are also making their screen debut in "Superman". There have also been some changes to the antagonists: Michael Rooker, known from "The Suicide Squad", takes on the role of Red St. Wild, a professional eagle hunter who is after Peacemaker's feathered friend Eagly. Judomaster also gets more screen time and is developed into a fully-fledged character.

Gunn makes no secret of the fact that he deliberately wants to expand the DCU with "Peacemaker":

"We see a lot of different characters from Superman in the season. There might even be one really, really, really big cameo near the end of the show."

The plot is set several years after season 1, although the exact time period is being kept deliberately vague. A technology known from the previous season, the Quantum Unfolding Chamber (QUC), will also be revisited and is set to play a central role. Naturally, John Cena will once again take on the role. Gunn reveals that the character has evolved:

"In a lot of ways, Peacemaker has changed a lot this season. He's a much softer guy, he's a much nicer guy, he's less in your face and less obnoxious and less aggressive. Langston Fleury actually takes up a lot of being a total asshole in the same way Peacemaker was last season. He's a very politically incorrect asshole throughout most of the season, and also an incredibly funny guy."

Of course, a new, iconic dance scene is also needed. The viral opening from season 1, accompanied by Wig Wam's hair metal hit "Do Ya Wanna Taste It", has been clicked over four billion times on TikTok. Gunn announces that this time Eagly, the popular CGI eagle, will also be dancing along.

"So that's really something. He is not the best at it, but he tries to really join in the dance sequence at the end. He's got a little pose this time."

John Cena promises that the scene will be a new highlight – also because the whole team was aware of the significance of this moment this time.

"We knew this is going to be a cornerstone of the show, so let's dive in. Everyone gave their best in season 1, but I just think people now know the importance of it and hopefully it shines through in season 2."

A new dance also means a new soundtrack. Gunn admits that he thought long and hard about whether he should go back to "Wig Wam" or choose a different hair metal song. In the end, he opted for a new track that fits in better with the plot of the sequel. He emphasizes that his aim was not to outdo the surprise success of the first scene. After all, you can't just repeat the magic. Instead, the new scene should simply do a "good job" – and the story should shine with surprising twists and turns. "Peacemaker" season 2 will be released on August 21, 2025 on HBO Max.

Why the series "Peacemaker" was so well received - between madness, heart and heroic satire

When "Peacemaker" launched on HBO Max in early 2022, many expected just another flashy spin-off of the DC blockbuster "The Suicide Squad". But what followed was a series that went far beyond typical superhero clichés – and delighted fans and critics alike. But why was the antihero so well received?

An unusual hero with depth

At the center of "Peacemaker" is Christopher Smith – an antihero who doesn't really want to be one. John Cena embodies him as a mixture of exaggerated patriotism, brutal determination and childlike insecurity. This ambivalence gives the character unexpected depth. Viewers experience not only his escapades, but also his inner struggles, his family wounds and his desire to finally be recognized. This emotional complexity sets him apart from other genre characters.

James Gunn's signature: Wit, satire and heart

Showrunner James Gunn, known for his work on "Guardians of the Galaxy", brings his typical style to the table: black humor, quirky characters and a fine pinch of social criticism. "Peacemaker" is never just comedy or action – it is also a clever satire on superhero clichés, toxic masculinity and exaggerated nationalism. The humor is crude, but never heavy-handed, and often strikes a surprisingly emotional chord.

The dance scene that became a legend

A symbol of the series' idiosyncratic tone is the iconic opening dance scene to "Do Ya Wanna Taste It" by Wig Wam. Instead of relying on a classic theme tune, the entire cast dances in stiff, expressionless poses through an absurdly choreographed sequence – a viral hit that attracted worldwide attention. This creative courage shows that "Peacemaker" thinks differently, feels differently and consciously stages itself outside the mainstream.

Supporting characters who shine

Not only the main actor, but also the supporting characters are convincing. Vigilante (Freddie Stroma) in particular brings an additional humorous dynamic with his bizarre mixture of social failure and violent tendencies. Emilia Harcourt (Jennifer Holland) and Leota Adebayo (Danielle Brooks) complete the ensemble with strong character arcs of their own – a far cry from mere sidekicks.

Conclusion: Original, courageous, different

"Peacemaker" is no ordinary superhero series. It is absurd and emotional at the same time, loud and yet sensitive. Its mixture of parody, action, drama and humanity is rare in this genre – and that is precisely what makes it so successful. It breaks conventions while remaining entertaining, making it one of the most successful DC projects of recent years.