James Gunn has put to rest a widespread James Gunn Peacemaker Theory regarding Superman’s appearance in Peacemaker Season 2. Ahead of the final episodes’ release, fans eagerly anticipated significant DC Universe tie-ins, specifically the return of David Corenswet as Superman. This speculation intensified after a photo of Corenswet with Peacemaker star John Cena in costume surfaced online. However, Gunn clarified that Superman will not appear in the series.
During an interview with Variety following the release of Episode 6, which featured Nicholas Hoult reprising his role as Lex Luthor, Gunn explained the reasoning behind Superman’s absence.
“No. In fact, David was very upset that Nick got to be on the show, and he didn’t,”
Gunn revealed.
“It just didn’t work. I needed Lex in the show to serve a specific purpose. And actually, what Lex and Rick Flag are up to affects very much what happens in an aspect of Man of Tomorrow. So all of that is connected. But this relationship between Rick Flag and Lex Luthor is a potentially negative thing for Superman and all metahumans.”
Why James Gunn Rejected a Superman Cameo
While actors and creators often use misdirection to keep fans guessing, James Gunn has a reputation for honesty when discussing his projects. He recently debunked rumors involving a Robert Pattinson Batman logo appearing on the Clayface set, confirming that the prop never passed through his approval. Given this transparency, it seems unlikely that Gunn’s outright dismissal of Superman’s cameo is a ruse.
Instead of leaving fans hanging with vague answers, Gunn chose to provide a clear explanation, allowing viewers to temper their expectations and focus on the remaining storylines. Removing Superman from the equation lets the show maintain its narrative integrity, centering on the struggles of the “11th Street Kids” rather than relying on potential fan service.
Connections Between Peacemaker and the Wider DC Universe
The Lex Luthor cameo was crafted to feel natural within Peacemaker’s story, connecting directly to Rick Flag Sr.’s efforts to find Peacemaker’s interdimensional portal. Lex’s resources perfectly fit this plot point without derailing the storyline. Gunn indicated he may have considered a Superman cameo at one point, but ultimately it “didn’t work” within the context of the show.
John Cena’s recounting of the viral photo with Corenswet supports this explanation; the two were simply sharing a moment during a visit, not filming joint scenes. Despite no current crossover, Superman is expected to be pivotal in the DC Universe’s future, and Peacemaker’s character will likely continue evolving, especially now that he recognizes the dark truths behind his so-called “perfect” world.
The Impact on Fans and the Future of the DCU
Fans may feel disappointed by the absence of Corenswet’s Superman in Peacemaker Season 2, but Gunn’s choice highlights his commitment to story authenticity over fan expectations. This approach strengthens the narrative, removing distractions and enhancing the focus on character development and multiverse storytelling.
As Gunn has outlined a 10-year plan for the DC Universe, opportunities for crossover events and character intersections remain open. The evolving relationship between Rick Flag and Lex Luthor, as highlighted in Peacemaker, ties into broader narratives like Man of Tomorrow and presents potential challenges for Superman and other metahumans.
By quashing rampant fan theories now, Gunn is setting the stage for a richer, more coherent DC Universe that prioritizes meaningful storytelling over superficial surprises. Viewers can look forward to exploring the layers of this multiverse as Gunn and his team continue crafting ambitious tales that respect both the characters and the fans.
