The second season of James Gunn’s Peacemaker series reveals that two important characters have decided to part ways with Gotham City, altering their original plans. The show, continuing the storyline of Christopher Smith (John Cena), weaves together events in the DCEU and DC Studios’ emerging DCU, with the focus on characters connected to Project Butterfly and their evolving relationships.
In Season 1, Leota Adebayo (Danielle Brooks), Amanda Waller’s (Viola Davis) daughter, and her wife Keeya Adebayo (Elizabeth Faith Ludlow) were introduced as a happy couple living in the fictional town of Evergreen, where Leota had started a new job with ARGUS. Despite this, Season 2 opens by showing the couple’s recent breakup, marking a significant change for both characters.
Episode 2 of the new season, penned by James Gunn, clarifies that one cause for their separation was Leota’s refusal to relocate from Evergreen after Project Butterfly concluded. Keeya expresses frustration over this decision, stating,
“We were supposed to be going back to Gotham, Lee. And now what? You’re staying here to start a spy business?”
This quote highlights the shift from their original intention to return to Gotham, a city famously linked with DC’s Dark Knight.
The episode further strengthens connections to Gotham by confirming that Leota and Keeya once lived there before their time in Evergreen. This adds to previous references to Batman’s home, such as the mention of Bludhaven in the season’s opening episode. The inclusion of these cities underscores Gotham’s continuing importance within the new DCU landscape.
Given the current discord between Leota and Keeya, it appears unlikely they will both return to Gotham soon. Leota is determined to remain in Evergreen and build her own path, whereas Keeya might still consider going back to Gotham if they manage to reconcile before the season ends.
Season 2 of Peacemaker premiered on HBO Max on August 21, 2025, following on from Gunn’s film The Suicide Squad. Along with John Cena, the show’s ensemble includes Freddie Stroma, Jennifer Holland, Frank Grillo, and Steve Agee, who reprise their roles as part of the expanding DC narrative.
Gotham City‘s Role in the Expanding DC Universe
Despite Gotham City’s iconic status, it has yet to be fully explored in James Gunn’s current DCU. Batman remains a major character DC Studios intends to develop, with a Gotham-based film officially planned for 2026 titled Clayface. This will serve to connect various storylines within the broader DC map.
While other Batman-related projects like Matt Reeves’ The Batman and the animated series The Caped Crusader also take place in Gotham, these are not considered part of the current DCU canon. Gotham has, however, been referenced in earlier DCU projects such as Creature Commandos and Superman, suggesting that its presence looms in the background of the new continuity.
The recent appearance of Gotham-related elements in Peacemaker builds anticipation for the city’s deeper integration. Early episodes of Season 2 include hints of Batman’s world, including nods to lesser-known villains, while Superman continues to make occasional appearances. This mix signals that Peacemaker is gradually setting up the Batman corner of the DC Universe alongside its broader narratives.
Character Departures Reflect Shifting Allegiances
The split between Leota and Keeya spotlights the personal and professional challenges faced by characters connected to Peacemaker’s mission. Leota’s decision to stay in Evergreen to pursue her spy business indicates a desire for independence away from Gotham’s shadows. Meanwhile, Keeya’s disappointment over leaving Gotham suggests unresolved feelings and potential future storylines.
These developments deepen the tone of tension and conflicted loyalties within the show, matching the overall anxious and somber mood permeating Season 2. The evolving dynamics between these characters also enrich the narrative complexity of the DCU as it continues to unfold across series and films.
