Summer 2025 is shaping up to be an electrifying season for DC fans. Just weeks after the theatrical release of *Superman*, which marks James Gunn and Peter Safran’s live-action debut in the DC Universe (DCU), we’re set to dive into a brand-new season of *Peacemaker*. John Cena returns as the explosive, peace-obsessed antihero Christopher Smith, once again leading a familiar ensemble cast into action-packed chaos.
The first Peacemaker Season 2 trailer offers a deeper look into the storyline, shedding light on how this new chapter connects with both Season 1 and Gunn’s *The Suicide Squad*. From new insights into the evolving DCU timeline to the surprising positioning of Rick Flagg as a central antagonist, here's everything you need to know from the latest trailer.
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Freddie Stroma’s Vigilante in Peacemaker Season 2
While John Cena’s Peacemaker remains the show’s core, Freddie Stroma’s Vigilante has undeniably become the breakout fan favorite. The character brings humor, heart, and chaotic charm to every scene—offering a comedic contrast to Peacemaker’s flawed heroism.
In Season 2, however, Vigilante appears to take a backseat in the trailer. Although Adrian Chase (his real identity) is shown working at a fast-food joint and grappling with the harsh reality that saving the world doesn’t always lead to public recognition, his presence feels subdued compared to Season 1. Let’s hope the trailer doesn’t reflect the entire season, because when it comes to Stroma’s performance, more is definitely more.
Meeting the DCU Justice League
The trailer opens with a striking moment: Peacemaker tries out for the newly formed Justice League. Sean Gunn reprises his role as Maxwell Lord, joined by Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner and Isabela Merced’s Hawkgirl. Their dynamic is refreshingly irreverent and sardonic—perfectly fitting the offbeat tone of Peacemaker.
This iteration of the team clearly draws inspiration from the classic Justice League International comics, focusing on a group of unconventional heroes rather than DC’s most iconic figures. While their screen time may be limited in Season 2, seeing them interact with Chris adds a new layer of depth to the DCU.
Merced especially shines as Hawkgirl, delivering a portrayal far more aligned with the character’s comic book roots than previous adaptations. It’s clear Gunn is building something fresh and exciting with this version of the League.
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The Return of Frank Grillo’s Rick Flagg, Sr.
Frank Grillo continues to serve as one of the cornerstones of the DCU. Having played a key role in Creature Commandos and now set to appear in Superman, Grillo’s Rick Flagg, Sr. takes center stage in Peacemaker Season 2 as a morally driven force opposing our protagonist.
Flagg is positioned as a grieving father seeking justice for his son’s death. As head of ARGUS, he possesses both legal authority and personal motivation to bring down Peacemaker and his crew. This sets up a compelling conflict, forcing viewers to question whether Peacemaker truly deserves redemption or if Flagg is justified in his pursuit of vengeance.
Making Sense of the DCU Timeline
Despite the DCU being marketed as a clean break from the DCEU, elements of James Gunn’s earlier work remain integral. The Suicide Squad (2021) and Peacemaker Season 1 are now considered foundational entries in the new continuity, even though they technically originated under the previous universe.
Gunn has confirmed that aside from the DCEU Justice League cameo in Season 1, most of The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker Season 1 will be treated as official canon. He also hinted that multiverse concepts introduced in Season 2 might help explain some continuity inconsistencies.
“Canon only matters so much,” Gunn remarked in a recent interview. “In the end, these stories aren't real—but we care about them deeply.”
With Season 2 bridging past and present, the series promises to clarify the broader narrative structure of the DCU while maintaining its signature dark humor and emotional depth.
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