In the second season of Peacemaker, the protagonist Chris Smith encounters a disturbing alternate reality named Earth-X, a world dominated by Nazis where the American flag’s stars are replaced by swastikas. This unsettling concept has sparked debate online regarding the political themes in the series. James Gunn, the creator and DC Studios co-CEO, recently addressed these claims, denying that the show was intended as a political statement despite the charged imagery.
Speculation intensified following Gunn’s previous outspoken criticisms of former President Donald Trump in 2018, which led to conservative backlash and his temporary firing by Disney. With this context, some viewers assumed that Gunn was embedding real-world politics into the show. However, Gunn clarified that the series was written before the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election results were known, distancing its narrative from current political events.
The Creator’s Perspective on Art, Politics, and Storytelling
When asked by a Variety interviewer about the parallels between Earth-X and recent real-world events, Gunn expressed uncertainty on how to frame his response. He emphasized that while there are troubling aspects in the world today, he does not view them solely through the lens of his work. Reflecting on his prior film Superman, Gunn pointed out that people often misinterpret political intentions where none were placed, specifically noting,
“Absolutely 100% of that movie was written and done before anything ever happened between Israel and Palestine, and everyone continues to refuse to believe that that’s not what it’s about. It’s not. It just isn’t,”
he said, adding,
“You can take whatever you want from that, to mean what you want, but I didn’t write it to be a stand in for Israel and Palestine.”
Regarding Peacemaker season 2, Gunn reiterated his focus on emotional storytelling rather than political messaging. He admitted that the series touches on difficult social topics, such as racism, but stressed that his primary goal is to explore themes of kindness and human connection.
“I mean, you’ll see some things next episode where, of course, there’s parallels. We’ve seen more racism lately, right? Is that because there’s more racism or because it’s more OK to be out in the open? It’s probably the latter. That’s obviously f***ing discouraging. And if my stupid TV show has anything to do with people being like, ‘Oh, maybe I should be more aware of my prejudices,’ great.”
“But that isn’t what I write the show for. I write the show for the emotional angle, just like I wrote ‘Superman’ to be about kindness. If there was a sociopolitical aspect of ‘Superman,’ it’s that there has been an absence of kindness and understanding and loving a human being, no matter what their thoughts or feelings are.”
“Everybody’s a f***ing antihero. Everybody’s too f***ing cool. What about not being cool? What about being a nice human being to someone? Why is that considered old-fashioned and Pollyanna? I want to be Pollyanna. I love that aspect of myself. I believe in the goodness of the human spirit. I think a lot of the people that are doing things I don’t like, I think that they are essentially good people. They just have weird ideas about things, and I think that we can communicate with those people. Maybe I’m naive, I don’t know, but that’s who I am.”
Earth-X Revealed in Peacemaker’s Upcoming Episode
The upcoming episode promises a deeper look into Earth-X, a reality where systemic racism manifests in the imprisonment of non-white individuals. While the show’s dark themes resonate with present-day issues, Gunn maintains that these storylines aim to reflect emotional truths rather than serve as political allegories. The depiction of this alternate world challenges audiences to confront uncomfortable realities but does not intend to promote any political agenda.
The climate of heightened political sensitivity makes it nearly unavoidable for viewers to interpret entertainment through ideological lenses. Gunn’s comments highlight the fine line creators walk when addressing societal topics, often becoming targets of speculation regardless of intent.
James Gunn’s Commitment to Kindness Amid Divisiveness
Despite the controversies surrounding political interpretations, James Gunn’s statements reveal a deep frustration with the polarized nature of contemporary discourse. He emphasizes his hope that viewers find emotional resonance in his work, focusing on recognizing personal biases and fostering kindness. His desire to offer stories of understanding challenges the increasingly harsh cultural divisions.
Gunn’s approach, rooted in empathy, stands in contrast to the cynicism often prevalent in superhero narratives. By asking,
“What about being a nice human being to someone?”
he invites audiences to reconsider the value of compassion in a fractured world. As public reactions to Peacemaker evolve, Gunn’s stance suggests that future DC Universe projects will continue to prioritize character-driven storytelling over overt political commentary.
For those unsettled by the harsh realities represented in Earth-X, Gunn’s appeal to kindness may offer a timely reminder of shared humanity amidst societal tensions.
