With Superman now released in theaters and advancing the DC Universe (DCU), James Gunn has revealed that Peacemaker season 2 will serve as a direct continuation of the Superman movie. This sequel series is expected to feature characters directly tied to Superman’s story, connecting the two projects tightly. Fans of the show and the movie can anticipate a seamless progression between the two.
During an appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast with Josh Horowitz, Gunn highlighted that Peacemaker season 2 includes several returning characters from Superman’s debut. Among them are Rick Flag, Hawkgirl, Maxwell Lord, and Guy Gardner. Gunn emphasized the unique nature of this follow-up:
Peacemaker 2 is a direct follow-up to Superman. You know, we have so many characters from, Rick Flag is in it. Hawkgirl, Maxwell Lord, you know Guy Gardner, so it’s the direct follow-up to Superman, but very R-Rated.
—James Gunn, Director and Showrunner
Fans have already noticed Guy Gardner and Hawkgirl in the series, but more appearances are expected, potentially including Superman himself. Gunn has previously hinted at a mysterious character near the end of Peacemaker season 1 who some speculate to be Superman, which would further cement the two projects’ connection.
Insights Into Peacemaker Season 2’s Plot and Development
Details about Peacemaker season 2 remain scarce, but key information has emerged about where the story picks up. The new season is set a few years after the first, with the protagonist still grappling with his reputation despite having saved the world from a major threat.
Gunn explained in an interview with Entertainment Weekly that the hero’s status among fellow superheroes is far from elevated:
We come into season 2 with Peacemaker knowing that he saved the world from the Butterflies,
and
He thinks he’s a big star now, and he should be a real superhero. And we see at the very beginning of episode 1 that he’s meeting with the group of superheroes from Superman, and he’s basically interviewing for membership in the group. But they just mock him the entire time, so he’s not taken seriously.
—James Gunn, Director and Showrunner
Peacemaker remains a punchline in the eyes of other “metahumans” despite his heroic deeds, starting the season on shaky ground. Gunn added that this dynamic extends to most of the 11th Street kids, except for the character Vigilante (played by Freddie Stroma), who maintains a more laid-back attitude.
He’s still considered a punchline among all of the other metahumans, so he’s starting the season in a bad place,
and Gunn noted,
As are all of our heroes, all of the 11th Street kids — well, everybody but Vigilante, who just always seems to be okay with everything.
—James Gunn, Director and Showrunner
Production Timeline and James Gunn’s Role at DC
The delay in launching Peacemaker season 2 was largely due to James Gunn’s responsibilities with other projects. After completing the first season of Peacemaker, Gunn worked on Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 and took on the role of head of DC Studios. This new leadership position required him to prioritize the development of Superman first before returning to Peacemaker.
Gunn shared insights about scheduling and his decision-making process:
Once I was done with Peacemaker, I had to do Guardians 3, and then when I was about ready to jump [back] into Peacemaker, I got hired to be the head of DC. As soon as I got that job, I made a couple of calls, and the first one was to [Marvel’s] Kevin Feige telling him that I’m taking the [job as] head of DC. The second one was to John Cena, and I said, I’m getting this gig, and I still want to do Peacemaker, but it’s going to have to wait. We’re going to have to get Superman working first,
and
As soon as I was done writing Superman, I was able to write season 2 of Peacemaker,
adding,
I know it seems like a long time for other people, but for me it all seems awful short because there was so many things I did in between.
—James Gunn, Director and Showrunner
Implications for the DC Universe and Fans
The revelation that Peacemaker season 2 acts as a direct, R-rated sequel to Superman creates an exciting narrative bridge within the DCU. The integration of familiar characters deepens the interconnectedness of projects in this evolving franchise. It also promises a tonal contrast given its more mature rating compared to the film.
For fans, the blend of Peacemaker’s irreverent style with the cinematic stakes of Superman suggests a fresh, dynamic storytelling approach. The crossover opportunities may become a pivotal moment in the DCU’s continuing storyline, potentially elevating both the series and the film’s impact.
With James Gunn actively overseeing multiple facets of the DC slate and managing its creative direction, audiences can expect a carefully curated expansion of the universe that balances intrigue, humor, and action. The upcoming Peacemaker season 2 holds the promise of expanding the franchise while maintaining its distinctive edge.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does James Gunn believe in God?
A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and has shared that prayer is still significant to him. However, he also describes himself as somewhat against organized religion.
Q. Is James Gunn no longer with Marvel?
A. After the director was removed from the Guardians of the Galaxy series in 2018, Gunn said he believed his career had ended. Fortunately, he and Peter Safran were chosen to lead DC Studios in 2022, allowing him to work on a new superhero project.
Q. What is James Gunn’s religion?
A. Gunn’s 2025 version of Superman features a CGI-animated Krypto the Superdog inspired by Ozu. Gunn grew up in a Catholic home and often talks about the importance of prayer in his life, but he also describes himself as somewhat opposed to organized religion.
