In the first episode of Peacemaker season 2, released within the newly launched DC Universe (DCU), creator James Gunn incorporates subtle jokes aimed at Jared Leto. These references, centered on the band Thirty Seconds to Mars, which Leto formed with his brother, add a layer of humor that ties into the show’s evolving comedic tone.
Following the events of season 1, Peacemaker continues its story within the expanding DCU, picking up after the launch set by the movie Superman. While Superman introduced some humor, Peacemaker season 2 embraces a more frequent and sharper comedic style that matches James Gunn’s distinctive approach, blending laughter with dramatic moments effectively to appeal to its audience.
Understanding the Thirty Seconds to Mars References in Peacemaker
The jokes about Jared Leto in Peacemaker manifest through jokes about Thirty Seconds to Mars, Leto’s band. In one scene, Peacemaker, also known as Chris Smith, questions Emilia Harcourt about her bloody knuckles following an incident where she punched her dashboard. Chris responds humorously:
“The last time I was in that car it was playing some Spin Doctors and Thirty Seconds to Mars or some shit. I was gonna kick its ass then, but you two seemed like you were on good terms.”
Harcourt objects, clarifying she is not on good terms with Thirty Seconds to Mars. The show extends this joke in the post-credits scene of episode one, where Harcourt insists Thirty Seconds to Mars cannot be equated with the Spin Doctors, whom she regards as actually good.
Chris replies,
“Yeah, geez, anybody’s better than Thirty Seconds to Mars. That garage band I was in for two seconds is better than Thirty Seconds to Mars.”
These lines suggest multiple layers: at face value, the comedy targets the band’s music, reflecting Gunn’s well-known particularity in musical tastes. More significantly, the references are tied to Jared Leto himself, who portrayed the Joker in the DCEU, possibly serving as a meta-commentary or mild jab toward the actor. James Gunn’s past remarks on social media, including a 2018 tweet expressing his opinions about Leto, fuel speculation about the intent behind these jokes, though none of this has been confirmed by the filmmaker.
Why the Post-Credits Scene Focuses on Thirty Seconds to Mars Jokes
The choice to center the post-credits scene on a Thirty Seconds to Mars joke raises questions because recent post-credits sequences often serve as teasers for upcoming projects. Viewers might expect the scene to hint at future plot developments, but James Gunn has taken a different route.
Similar to his approach with Superman’s post-credits scenes—which featured memorable, lighthearted moments like Superman hugging his dog Krypto or assisting Mr. Terrific with the cleanup of Metropolis—Gunn avoids setting up storylines that may not be confirmed. Instead, he opts to deliver amusing, standalone moments that enhance the viewing experience without promising narrative payoffs.
This practice explains why the Peacemaker season 2, episode 1 post-credits humor does not build toward future episodes but rather elaborates on a cut portion of the opening scene. It provides additional comedic insight into the interaction between Chris and Harcourt, aligning with the show’s tone while sidestepping unnecessary speculation.
The Impact of Gunn’s Creative Choices on Peacemaker’s Storytelling
By integrating the Thirty Seconds to Mars jokes, James Gunn adds an extra layer of personality and tension within Peacemaker season 2, reflecting his style that mixes intense character moments with humor. The subtle targeting of Jared Leto, whether perceived as playful mockery or a sharper critique, reinforces the series’ edgy tone.
This approach also contributes to distinguishing Peacemaker within the DC Universe, setting a distinct comedic rhythm compared to other projects like Superman. Gunn’s preference for giving audiences fun, self-contained scenes over speculative setups suggests a cautious but confident pathway forward for the DCU’s storytelling.
As the season progresses, viewers can expect Peacemaker to maintain this balance of humor and drama, while continuing to explore its characters in a universe that is still unfolding. The use of intricate jokes and meta-commentary enhances engagement and keeps the audience attentive to the series’ many layers.
