The latest episode of Peacemaker season 2 revealed a disturbing Earth-X reality where Adolf Hitler’s influence had permeated key institutions, including A.R.G.U.S. and the U.S. Capitol. However, filmmaker James Gunn decided to remove an additional comedic element featuring A.R.G.U.S. employees sporting Hitler moustaches because it felt too exaggerated. This cut was confirmed on Peacemaker: The Official Podcast with James Gunn, where Gunn explained his reasoning behind leaving the scene out of the final edit.
A Closer Look at the Deleted Hitler Moustache Scene
Jennifer Holland, who plays Emilia Harcourt, described the deleted gag, stating,
“They actually had a bunch of the guys shave Hitler moustaches, and they had to keep these on them for days while we were shooting.”
This prompted Gunn to clarify the scene’s dialogue where Harcourt points out the numerous copies of Mein Kampf on desks and then draws attention to the men with “stupid little moustaches.” Gunn remarked,
“The lame little moustaches looked too cartoony for me, so I cut it,”
emphasizing that the joke did not fit the tone he wanted to strike in the episode.
Earth-X’s Dark Humor and Peacemaker’s Perspective
The visit to Earth-X turned out to be more satirical than many viewers anticipated. Despite the dark setting, the episode leaned on an uneasy comedic undertone. Gunn pointed out that Chris Smith, the Peacemaker, isn’t overtly racist but has grown up in an environment blind to racial diversity. He said,
“He’s not a racist, but he was raised in a certain way, and he doesn’t notice that there aren’t any people of color anywhere around him,”
underlining Peacemaker’s obliviousness to the disturbing realities of this alternate Earth.
Character Arcs and the Cliffhanger of Captain Triumph
This episode marked a significant turning point with the death of Auggie Smith and the rescue of Keith, also known as Captain Triumph. Emilia Harcourt’s failed attempt to kill Keith was intended to prevent him from seeking revenge on Chris Smith. James Gunn revealed that in the original script, Harcourt did succeed in killing Keith. He commented,
“I will say, in the original draft, she kills him. I think it is [the origin story] of a supervillain. At the end, we see that look in his eye.”
Gunn described Keith as a “weird supervillain” who could become Peacemaker’s personal archenemy, adding that he is Chris’s brother from another dimension who despises him for an act of self-harm, highlighting the complex emotional conflicts at play.
Potential Developments in the Season Finale
The episode leaves many questions open as to what lies ahead. Rick Flag Sr. and A.R.G.U.S. plan to investigate the mysterious doors within their base, possibly uncovering further threats. This exploration could set the stage for Captain Triumph’s return as a vengeful adversary in the upcoming season finale. With seven episodes now available on HBO Max, anticipation is building for next week’s conclusion. A preview promises to delve deeper into these unresolved plot threads and reveal more about Earth-X’s dark dimensions.
