The premiere episode of Peacemaker’s second season, created by James Gunn, directly references and mocks Jared Leto’s band, Thirty Seconds to Mars. The scene unfolds during a casual conversation between John Cena’s character, Chris Smith, and his former colleague Emilia Harcourt, played by Jennifer Holland.
In a moment blending humor and playful insults about music tastes, Chris makes a crude remark involving both Spin Doctors and Thirty Seconds to Mars, sparking an exchange that highlights the band’s questionable reputation within the show’s narrative.
Dialogue Highlights: Humor Targeting Thirty Seconds to Mars
Chris Smith references the band in a lighthearted jab:
“Last time I was in that car, it was playing Spin Doctors or Thirty Seconds to Mars or some s—, I was gonna kick its ass then, but you two seem like you’re on good terms.”
—Chris Smith
Emilia quickly disputes any friendly association with the band:
“I am not on good terms with Thirty Seconds to Mars — how dare you.”
—Emilia Harcourt
Following the episode’s credits, an additional post-credit scene extends this playful critique. Emilia insists on separating Spin Doctors from Thirty Seconds to Mars:
“You can’t be looping Spin Doctors in with Thirty Seconds to Mars,”
—Emilia Harcourt
Chris fires back with a biting comment on the band’s musical quality:
“Jeez, anyone’s better than Thirty Seconds to Mars. That garage band I was in for two seconds is better than Thirty Seconds to Mars.”
—Chris Smith
Jared Leto’s Music Career and DC Film History
Jared Leto founded Thirty Seconds to Mars in 1998 with his brother Shannon, serving as the band’s lead vocalist and guitarist. The group has released six studio albums over the years. Beyond music, Leto’s film career includes his portrayal of the Joker in the 2016 Suicide Squad movie, later reprising the role in Zack Snyder’s Justice League in 2021, both set within Snyder’s earlier DC cinematic universe.
While several actors from the 2016 Suicide Squad returned in the 2021 sequel, also penned and directed by James Gunn, Leto’s Joker was notably absent. Gunn explained his reasoning in 2021:
“I just don’t know why Joker would be in the Suicide Squad. He wouldn’t be helpful in that type of war situation.”
—James Gunn
The Rebooted DC Universe and Actor Transitions
James Gunn now leads DC Studios’ new cinematic universe (DCU), where the second season of Peacemaker is set. Gunn has carried over several actors and characters into this rebooted continuity, including John Cena’s Peacemaker and Viola Davis’ Amanda Waller, who also reprised her role on the animated series Creature Commandos.
Casting decisions related to Jared Leto’s Joker remain uncertain. Although Gunn has not revealed who will portray the Clown Prince of Crime in the new DCU, he has not ruled out the possibility of Leto’s return, given some actors from the previous universe have made the transition.
Future Prospects for Suicide Squad Characters in the New DCU
James Gunn is considering roles for other characters from The Suicide Squad in the DCU. Regarding Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn, Gunn said,
“That will be revealed down the line.”
—James Gunn
Gunn is also actively exploring ways to include Idris Elba’s Bloodsport in the new universe, stating,
“I definitely am always looking for a place to put Bloodsport and figuring that out, so we’ll see what happens.”
—James Gunn
Recent Developments Surrounding Jared Leto
Outside of his entertainment roles, Jared Leto has faced serious allegations recently, with nine women accusing him of sexual misconduct, including claims from individuals who were minors at the time of alleged incidents. A representative for Leto has publicly denied all allegations.
“All of the allegations are expressly denied.”
—Jared Leto’s Representative
Upcoming Projects Featuring Jared Leto
Jared Leto is set to star in Disney’s upcoming film Tron: Ares, joining a cast that includes Jeff Bridges, Greta Lee, Evan Peters, and Jodie Turner-Smith. Tron: Ares is scheduled for release in theaters on October 10.
Significance and Outlook for DC Studios and Jared Leto’s Influence
The playful critique of Thirty Seconds to Mars in Peacemaker adds a layer of meta commentary within the DC Studios projects, emphasizing James Gunn’s distinctive creative voice. The interaction highlights the cultural intersections between music and film, particularly focusing on Jared Leto’s dual career. As the new DCU continues to unfold under Gunn’s leadership, the status of returning actors and characters including Leto’s Joker remains a topic of speculation and anticipation among fans.
With Peacemaker establishing its place in this new continuity and James Gunn actively shaping the universe’s direction, future episodes and films are likely to continue blending sharp humor with dramatic storytelling, maintaining audience interest in both narrative and casting developments.
