Sol Rodriguez’s character in James Gunn’s HBO Max series Peacemaker, Sasha Bordeaux, was unveiled as a cyborg in Season 2, Episode 5, much to the surprise of fans and Rodriguez herself. This development not only expands Sasha’s role within the DC Universe but also fuels Rodriguez’s hope her character might cross paths with Batman in a future James Gunn Batman movie. The reveal introduces new layers to Sasha’s story, showcasing her enhanced abilities, including a bionic eye with pinpoint accuracy.
Rodriguez explained that she only learned about the cyborg twist after receiving the script for the episode titled Back to the Suture. Despite pressing Gunn for details about her character beforehand, she was kept in the dark, which heightened her anticipation. Rodriguez sensed that her character embodied something more than her initial portrayal of a straightforward A.R.G.U.S. agent, but the physical cyborg reveal was a dramatic surprise for her as well.
“Even though I didn’t know if her cyborg was going to be visible physically, I knew it was inside of me,”
Rodriguez said.
“It just gave me this sense of confidence and no fear, because if she’s a cyborg, she can basically take down anyone, right?”
— Sol Rodriguez, Actress
The Comic Origins of Sasha Bordeaux and Her DC Universe Connections
In the comic books, Sasha Bordeaux begins as a Secret Service agent before becoming Bruce Wayne’s private bodyguard. Her storyline involves wrongful imprisonment, a near-fatal attack, and a rescue by Checkmate, a covert government agency. Afterward, she works under Maxwell Lord, portrayed by Sean Gunn in the DC Universe, eventually receiving cyborg enhancements during a mission.
Rodriguez expressed enthusiasm for the prospect of expanding her character’s arc, hoping it might include a storyline with Bruce Wayne, famously known as Batman. This aspiration aligns with the fact that James Gunn is currently involved in developing a Batman movie, which makes this potential crossover a tantalizing possibility.
“Believe me, it’s such a dream. I pray every day that James [Gunn] puts me in a movie with Batman, or creates something where I get to be with Batman,”
Rodriguez shared.
“I saw Lars [P. Winther], the executive producer [of Superman], the other day at a birthday party, and I was like, ‘Lars, I’m waiting next to the phone, please call me.’ He just laughed it off and walked away. Didn’t tell me one word, but I am praying that that happens. It would be such a dream.”
— Sol Rodriguez, Actress
Working with James Gunn and Engaging with Fans During ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2
Rodriguez highlighted the unique experience of working closely with James Gunn, who is deeply engaged with the cast and audience alike. The fifth episode marked a significant moment for her character, and Gunn’s involvement in live-tweeting and direct fan interaction enhanced the show’s dynamic. Rodriguez appreciates how invested Gunn is in both the storytelling and fan experience, describing the collaborative atmosphere as new and inspiring.
Regarding the cyborg reveal, Rodriguez admitted that she only received subtle hints about her character’s changes during their discussions. For instance, she once inquired about cutting her hair to match the comic inspiration, but Gunn discouraged it, suggesting her current look was perfect. The physical effects, like the mechanical eye, were added post-production, keeping the on-set surprises intact.
“So I’m cutting my hair, right? Like, because I saw that she has short hair and, like, I’m ready. You tell me, I’ll cut it.”
Rodriguez recalled.
“He’s like, ‘No, you’re not cutting your hair.’ And I was like, ‘Oh, okay, great, thanks. I guess I would have cut it anyway if you wanted me to, but thank you. I love my hair.’ He’s like, ‘It’s great long, don’t worry about it.’ And I was like, ‘Okay.’ So that was like the first hint I got of like, okay, she’s a different version.”
— Sol Rodriguez, Actress
How Cyborg Powers Shifted Rodriguez’s Approach to Her Role
Discovering Sasha’s cyborg abilities influenced Rodriguez’s portrayal by infusing the character with greater confidence and authority. Although she did not need to reinvent her approach, knowing her character had enhanced strength and resilience allowed her to lead the team with more conviction within the story’s context. Her character commands respect and even intimidation among her peers, underlining her newfound power.
Rodriguez described that this transformation helped her feel more empowered while working alongside Frank Grillo’s character and others in the group. The bionic parts symbolize not only strength but also an emotional shift, giving Sasha a formidable edge in conflicts.
The Show’s Cliffhanger and What Lies Ahead for Sasha Bordeaux
Season 2 of Peacemaker is building toward an intense finale, with the last three episodes described as feeling cinematic in scale. Rodriguez mentioned that her character’s loyalty will be tested, forcing Sasha to navigate her values and the conflicting demands of her career and personal beliefs. These developments promise significant character growth and plot twists, deepening the narrative complexity of the series.
Rodriguez emphasized that the show’s conclusion will present pivotal decisions for Sasha, influencing her alliances and her future. The heightened stakes indicate the series will sustain its suspense and layered storytelling as it moves forward.
“The last three episodes feel like a movie. There is so much going on. I don’t want to say anything that I’m not supposed to — there’s a lot going on,”
she said.
“One of the things for my character is that my loyalty is absolutely and definitely tested, and she will have to make some decisions and see where she lies and what aligns with her values within her career, her job, and what she believes in life.”
— Sol Rodriguez, Actress
Rodriguez Reflects on Her Growing Role and Language Challenges
Rodriguez also shared a personal accomplishment related to her dialogue-heavy scenes, which involved delivering continuous lines without error in English, her second language. This was particularly meaningful to her and demonstrated her commitment to her role and the show’s demanding production schedule. She cited a specific scene in which she walks and talks, leading to an important introduction, as a proud moment of professional growth.
Potential for Future Appearances in the DC Universe
Beyond Peacemaker, Rodriguez expressed excitement about possibly joining other DC projects, including the upcoming Superman movie. She mentioned the prospect of collaborating again with María Gabriela de Faría, who also appears within the DC Universe, highlighting the growing interconnectedness of the franchise and her desire to remain a part of it.
“It would be amazing. We worked together 13 years ago in a Nickelodeon show, and we’re now in the same family DCU family? I would love to be the next Superman movie. I’m sorry, nothing yet. Cross your fingers.”
— Sol Rodriguez, Actress
Where to Watch ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2
The latest season of Peacemaker, including the cyborg reveal in Episode 5, is available for streaming on HBO Max. Fans can catch up on the first five episodes now as the storyline heads toward its climax. This accessibility keeps viewers engaged and eager for the final chapters, as the series maintains its blend of action, humor, and emotional depth.
