James Gunn’s DCU Alt Universe Twist takes center stage in Peacemaker season 2, episode 3, revealing a startling new parallel world within the DC Universe. This alternate reality emerges through the Quantum Unfolding Chamber, a device previously seen in Peacemaker season 1 at Chris Smith’s father Auggie’s house. While the first season remains largely canon to the evolving DC Universe continuity, the second season introduces a world unlike the one fans know, featuring key differences in characters and circumstances that challenge what seems familiar.
In this newly unveiled dimension, Chris Smith finds not only himself but his brother Keith and father Auggie alive, working together as a heroic team dubbed The Top Trio. This starkly contrasts with the main DC Universe, where Keith died in childhood and Auggie, a white supremacist, was killed by Chris. The alternative world appears to offer Chris everything he has lost, sparking his curiosity and prompting him to assume the identity of his alternate self after accidentally causing his death.
Chris Smith’s Experience and Growing Doubts About the Alternate Dimension
In episode 3, Chris enjoys immediate admiration and respect as he rides his alternate self’s Peace-Cycle through crowds who cheer his name, a marked change from his usual reception. This widespread hero-worship leads Chris to declare this new reality the “Best. Dimension. Ever.” However, a closer look reveals unsettling details. The entire alt-DCU population shown, including ARGUS agents and the enthusiastic crowds, are exclusively white, raising concerns about diversity and inclusivity in this world.
Additionally, The Top Trio is seemingly the only known group of heroes in this universe, while a group known as the Sons of Liberty declares opposition to an oppressive government. These elements hint at a darker underpinning that contradicts the perfect image Chris perceives, suggesting hidden cracks in this alternate DCU.
Speculation: This New Universe May Be Earth-X, Where Nazis Triumphed
All evidence points toward this alt-DCU being a live-action iteration of Earth-X, a parallel reality from DC comics where Nazi Germany won World War II. In that dimension, fascist ideology dominates society, which could explain why Auggie’s white supremacist beliefs are normalized, and why Chris’s family thrives despite circumstances that led to their deaths in the main DCU.
Fans familiar with the CW’s Arrowverse will recall Earth-X as the setting for the fourth annual crossover event, where heroes from Supergirl, Arrow, The Flash, and Legends of Tomorrow faced off against Nazi counterparts. Similarly, Earth-X’s comics have portrayed a society with few heroes and seemingly idyllic façades concealing disturbing truths—parallels clearly reflected in Peacemaker season 2.
Additional clues include a newspaper headline about The Top Trio’s defeat of a Silver Age character called the Rainbow Creature, possibly symbolizing anti-LGBTQ sentiment consistent with Auggie’s previous intolerance. This foreshadows that the seemingly perfect world Chris has stepped into may conceal oppressive realities.
According to trailers for upcoming episodes, the rest of the 11th St. Kids plan to enter this alt-Dimension to rescue Chris, which likely will uncover the true nature of this universe and its hidden dark side.
What This Twist Means for the Future of the DC Universe
This revelation of an alternate DC Universe in Peacemaker season 2 not only enriches the series’ narrative but also expands the scope of James Gunn’s broader DCU vision. By introducing a parallel, morally complex world that challenges the protagonist’s beliefs and ideals, the story deepens the exploration of identity, family, and ideological conflict.
As episodes continue to release on HBO Max each Thursday, viewers can expect further development and confrontation between the realities, leading to significant consequences for Chris Smith and the larger DC Universe. This twist also establishes a foundation for future projects like Creature Commandos and the upcoming Superman film, which are integral components of the new DC continuity.
