Summer 2025 is set to be a thrilling period for DC enthusiasts. Just weeks after the theatrical release of Superman, marking the live-action debut of James Gunn and Peter Safran's DCU, fans can look forward to another season of the hit series Peacemaker. John Cena returns as the peace-loving, yet gun-toting Christopher Smith, joined by much of the beloved Season 1 cast.

The first trailer for Peacemaker Season 2 provides insights into the upcoming plot and its connections to both the first season and Gunn’s The Suicide Squad. From new details about the DCU timeline and Rick Flagg's role as a "villain," to the noticeable 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

It would be an understatement to label John Cena's Christopher Smith as the least interesting character in Peacemaker. He is undeniably a compelling figure, embodying a walking contradiction who advocates for peace while engaging in violent conflicts. His character is a classic example of Gunn's style—a goofball with a deeply buried heart of gold.

While Peacemaker ostensibly focuses on its titular character, the series thrives as an ensemble project. The supporting cast is crucial to its success, much like how The CW's The Flash relied on its Team Flash dynamic. Among the supporting characters, Freddie Stroma's Vigilante stands out as a scene-stealer.

Vigilante emerged as the breakout star of Season 1, serving as a hilarious counterpoint to Cena's Peacemaker. He's the clingy best friend who could be a great superhero if not for his own sad-sack nature. Though the series deviates from the comic book version of the character, his entertainment value is undeniable.

It's somewhat disappointing to see less of Stroma's character in the trailer. While Cena naturally takes the spotlight, and Jennifer Holland's Emilia Harcourt gets significant attention, Stroma's Adrian Chase is pushed to the background. We see him working at a fast food restaurant, grappling with the realization that saving the world doesn't guarantee fame. Fans would love to see more of Vigilante, and hopefully, his reduced presence in 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. Sean Gunn’s Maxwell Lord, Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner, and Isabela Merced’s Hawkgirl are present, clearly dismissing Peacemaker before he can even make his case.

This scene offers a deeper look into the Justice League's group dynamic, which is markedly different from the brief appearance in Season 1. The new Justice League is more sardonic and irreverent, fitting seamlessly into the Peacemaker universe and contrasting sharply with the more serious DCEU Justice League.

Gunn's inspiration from DC's beloved Justice League International comics is evident. In this version, Lord leads and finances the team, focusing on a diverse group of oddballs and misfits who seek legitimacy through their association with the Justice League.

It's likely that Gunn filmed this scene during the production of Superman, allowing him to coordinate the appearances of Gunn, Fillion, and Merced. While the Justice League may not play a significant ongoing role in Peacemaker Season 2 beyond Chris's unsuccessful tryout, it's great to get a glimpse of their dynamic and see the humor and personality Isabela Merced brings to Hawkgirl. The new Justice League is shaping up to be a refreshing addition to the DCU.

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The Return of Frank Grillo’s Rick Flagg, Sr.

Frank Grillo is emerging as a pivotal figure in the DCU. His portrayal of Rick Flagg, Sr., was significant in the Creature Commandos animated series, and he is set to make his live-action debut in Superman. Now, Flagg is poised to play a central role in Peacemaker Season 2.

Flagg appears to be the main antagonist of the season, though "villain" might be too strong a term given his motivations. He's a father seeking justice for his murdered son and now heads ARGUS, giving him both legal authority and moral justification in his conflict with Peacemaker.

This setup promises a compelling dynamic for Season 2. Despite Peacemaker's desire to be seen as a changed man and a true hero, he can't escape his actions from The Suicide Squad in 2021. His past deeds weigh heavily on him, and it will be interesting to see how viewers respond to Flagg's quest for revenge against Team Peacemaker.

Making Sense of the DCU Timeline

The inclusion of Flagg directly ties Season 2 to The Suicide Squad, showing that while the DCU aims to start fresh, elements of the previous DCEU remain. The Suicide Squad can be seen as the unofficial first DCU movie due to its significant references within the new continuity.

A clear timeline is emerging for the DCU. The Suicide Squad started it off in 2021, followed by Peacemaker Season 1 in 2022, Creature Commandos in 2024, Superman in July 2025, and Peacemaker Season 2 in August 2025. After that, the DCU will expand with projects like Lanterns and Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.

Gunn is keen to retain the groundwork laid by The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker Season 1, despite Warner Bros.'s delineation between the old and new universes. As Gunn mentioned in an interview with IGN, canon is flexible, and what truly matters is the authenticity and truth in the stories and characters.

Despite the Justice League cameo, there's little stopping Gunn from fully integrating The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker Season 1 into the DCU. The standalone nature of The Suicide Squad allows for continuity with characters like Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn, John Cena's Peacemaker, and Viola Davis's Amanda Waller. Recasting popular characters like Harley Quinn would be unnecessary, though the same might not apply to the Joker.

By the end of Peacemaker Season 2, the DCU's canon should be clearer. Fans eagerly await the series' return, hoping for more of Vigilante's presence.