Joel Kinnaman, known for his role as Rick Flag Jr. in the DCEU, has quietly reappeared in the James Gunn DCU Reboot, surprising fans who believed he would not return. This unexpected comeback occurred amid the rollout of Gunn’s newly connected DC universe, featuring shows like Creature Commandos, Superman, and Peacemaker Season 2.
Although James Gunn’s DCU is promoted as a fresh vision for the DC franchise, it has incorporated elements from the earlier DCEU, blurring continuity lines. Characters such as John Cena’s Christopher Smith have carried over from Gunn’s previous work on The Suicide Squad, linking the two eras. Kinnaman’s return as Rick Flag Jr., the son of Frank Grillo’s Rick Flag Sr., marks another key DCEU character reintroduced within this evolving continuity, despite earlier statements suggesting otherwise.
A Surprising Return Despite Previous Denials
Joel Kinnaman had previously categorically denied any chance of reprising his role as Rick Flag Jr. in Peacemaker Season 2. During an October 2024 Screenrant interview, he emphatically dismissed rumors of his return to the series:
“I don’t know what to say. That’s ridiculous. I would never. I would never be on a show like that. It’s not what I do. It’s not what I do.”
— Joel Kinnaman, Actor
At the time, Kinnaman’s remarks were widely accepted as a firm refusal, especially given that his character had died in both Suicide Squad films and he appeared to have moved on from comic book adaptations. However, it now appears he was deliberately misleading audiences to keep his involvement a secret.
Sources suggest that when Kinnaman gave this interview, he had likely already completed filming his scenes for Peacemaker Season 2, which wrapped production in November 2024. This timing indicates a strategic denial to keep his return under wraps until the show’s release.
The Context of Kinnaman’s Role in Peacemaker Season 2
Peacemaker Season 2 continues the story of Christopher Smith, played by John Cena, as he aims to become a mainstream superhero while weaving into the new DCU framework. The series airs on HBO Max with new episodes premiering each Thursday at 9 p.m. ET.
In the third episode of this season, Kinnaman reprises his character Rick Flag Jr., but with a twist—he portrays an alternate dimension version of the character who had previously been killed off by Cena’s Peacemaker in The Suicide Squad. This layered narrative choice reintroduces a familiar face within a fresh storyline and hints at a complex multiverse approach within James Gunn’s DCU reboot.
Understanding the Rationale Behind Kinnaman’s Secrecy
Kinnaman’s decision to deny his return until the episode aired seems to be a deliberate move to preserve the impact of his comeback. Bringing back a beloved character presumed dead not only excites long-time fans but also deepens the connection between the DCEU and the new DCU mythology.
The presence of other familiar figures, such as Cara Delevingne’s Enchantress from The Suicide Squad, further underscores how James Gunn’s DCU embraces characters from past projects, providing continuity despite the franchise’s rebooted status.
This tactic of denial is not uncommon among actors in high-profile comic adaptations, as seen with Andrew Garfield’s approach to his secretive role in Spider-Man: No Way Home. Actors often choose to deflect questions about surprise appearances to avoid spoilers and studio backlash, maintaining the element of surprise for viewers.
By denying involvement initially, actors can safely participate in sensitive projects without prematurely revealing spoilers, allowing studios to control the release of crucial plot information.
The Significance of This Development for the DC Universe
Joel Kinnaman’s covert return signals that James Gunn’s DCU reboot intends to selectively integrate popular characters from the previous DCEU era, crafting a layered narrative that respects fan favorites while charting a new course. This approach highlights Gunn’s commitment to building a dynamic, evolving universe where past and present coexist, increasing anticipation for future installments.
For viewers and fans of the franchise, this move enriches the storytelling potential, emphasizing complex character dynamics and multiverse possibilities. It also underscores the challenges in maintaining secrecy around major casting choices in an era of intense fan speculation and media scrutiny.
Looking ahead, the blending of old and new characters could lead to more unexpected returns and crossover moments, shaping a cohesive and engaging future for the DC cinematic and streaming landscape under James Gunn’s leadership.
