David Corenswet’s Superman notably absent from Peacemaker Season 2. [Image Source: THEMOVIEBLOG]
David Corenswet will not appear in the second season of Peacemaker, according to DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn, confirming the actor’s absence despite the series serving as a direct sequel to his Superman film. While Corenswet’s Superman remains a key figure in the DC Universe, Gunn clarified that his storyline will continue elsewhere, notably in the upcoming movie Man of Tomorrow, set for release in 2027.
Why David Corenswet’s Superman Won’t Appear in Peacemaker Season 2
James Gunn explained that although Peacemaker Season 2 acts as a narrative bridge in the wider DC Universe, it was creatively necessary to exclude Corenswet’s Superman from the series. The storyline centers on characters like Lex Luthor, portrayed by Nicholas Hoult, and Rick Flag Sr., played by Frank Grillo, whose complex partnership develops within the Belle Reveprison setting. Their interactions set up crucial plot lines for Man of Tomorrow, making Corenswet’s Superman unnecessary in the show’s context.
During a Variety interview, Gunn revealed that Corenswet was noticeably upset about missing out on a Peacemaker cameo, especially since Hoult’s Lex Luthor appeared on screen. Gunn stated,
“very upset that [Hoult] got to be on the show, and he didn’t.”
However, he emphasized that Lex Luthor’s presence serves a targeted narrative purpose tied to the upcoming Superman sequel.
Gunn elaborated on the importance of Luthor’s role within Peacemaker, saying,
Image of: David Corenswet
“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 meta-humans.”
How Peacemaker Season 2 Connects to the Broader DC Universe
Peacemaker’s storyline in Season 2 deepens ties to the Superman mythos by exploring darker dimensions, including an alternate Nazi-dominated Earth known in the comics as Earth X, where Superman is referred to as Overman. The series blends these elements with returning characters such as John Cena’s Peacemaker and introduces new threats tied to this alternate reality. Despite such connections, Corenswet’s Superman does not make a physical appearance beyond fleeting cameos.
The show’s “Previously On” segment showcases a brief flashback featuring Corenswet’s Superman in a collage alongside other DC heroes like Supergirl and Mr. Terrific but without meaningful screen time. Instead, the focus remains on characters actively influencing the plot, like Isabela Merced’s Hawkgirl and Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner.
The season’s final episode is scheduled to premiere on HBO Max on September 9, promising further developments within this interconnected universe but no indication of Corenswet’s involvement.
The Timeline for David Corenswet’s Return as Superman
Despite the absence from Peacemaker, filming schedules suggest that Corenswet could have appeared, as Superman’s and Peacemaker’s productions overlapped in Atlanta. However, Gunn ruled out such crossovers, stressing that characters like Superman and Overman would overshadow the story’s main cast and not fit the show’s tone. Peacemaker’s mature and often violent themes contrast with the image Gunn aims to maintain for his version of Superman.
Fans awaiting Corenswet’s next appearance should instead look toward his lead role in Man of Tomorrow, set for a July 2027 release. There is also speculation about a potential cameo in June 2026’s Supergirl series, similar to how Milly Alcock’s version of Girl of Steel briefly appeared in this year’s Superman movie.
Ultimately, David Corenswet’s Superman absence from Peacemaker Season 2 highlights a deliberate creative choice that prioritizes specific story arcs within the DC Universe while reserving the hero’s full exploration for forthcoming projects.
