James Gunn has revealed that the final episode of Peacemaker season 2 will run over 57 minutes, making it the longest episode of the season. The announcement comes as fans have expressed frustration about the varying runtimes of the series, particularly the seventh chapter,
“Like a Keith in the Night,”
which lasted just over 30 minutes. This extended length for the finale, scheduled for next Thursday, is expected to give the story ample room to resolve major plot points and deliver a satisfying conclusion to the season.
Insights Into Season 2’s Plot and Character Arcs
The season follows vigilante superhero Chris Smith as he wrestles with both his haunted past and his uncertain future. The storyline introduces an alternate version of the world, Earth-X, where Smith faces a different reality and a chance to confront his demons. James Gunn, who has penned all eight episodes, explained the twist surrounding Auggie Smith, a character originally believed to be a Nazi on Earth-X but revealed instead as a compassionate and anti-Nazi figure. This revelation adds complexity to the narrative, especially as Auggie’s counterpart on the main Earth is more antagonistic.
Gunn also pointed out the contrast between Auggie and his son, Keith.
“Auggie is generally a good human being who is opposed to what the Nazis are doing,”
he said.
“But Keith (and Chris 2), well…I don’t know. Sometimes the apples fall very far from the tree – on both Earths.”
Auggie on Earth-X ultimately suffers at the hands of Vigilante, killing his counterpart’s father and brother, which sets Keith on a dark path of vengeance against Peacemaker.
Character Development Explored Through Earth-X
Rather than fully exploring the political dangers of Earth-X and staging a direct conflict between the 11th Street Kids and Nazi leaders, the season uses this parallel reality as a lens to delve into Chris Smith’s psychological turmoil. The series leaves Chris broken and burdened by guilt, increasingly convinced that his actions are the cause of tragedy around him. The fate of his inner struggle remains uncertain, but the possibility of Keith confronting Chris at Belle Reve hints at dramatic developments ahead, potentially introducing new elements like G.I. Robot.
Cast, Crew, and Critical Reception
Season 2 stars John Cena as Chris Smith, alongside Danielle Brooks, Freddie Stroma, Jennifer Holland, Steve Agee, Frank Grillo, Sol Rodríguez, David Denman, Brey Noelle, and Tim Meadows. James Gunn serves as creator and executive producer, writing all episodes and directing three, including the premiere. Other directors involved are Greg Mottola, Peter Sollett, and Alethea Jones, with Peter Safran and Cena also producing.
Critics have noted a tonal shift compared to the first season. In a review of the initial five episodes, it was observed that
“Peacemaker season 2 feels like a wholly superfluous addition to the new DCU, and lacks the stakes and emotion that made season 1 so special. Fortunately, it’s buoyed by some fun surprises for fans and another exceptional turn from John Cena.”
Currently, seven episodes of Peacemaker season 2 are available for streaming on HBO Max.
What to Expect From the Upcoming Finale
With the finale’s runtime exceeding 57 minutes, viewers can anticipate a more in-depth resolution of conflicts brewing throughout the season. James Gunn’s openness about character complexities and unresolved tensions points to a potentially intense finishing chapter. This extended episode will likely clarify the fates of Chris Smith and Keith, as well as confrontations tied to Earth-X’s dark legacy. For fans of the series and the growing DC Universe, the finale promises to be a crucial moment in the evolving narrative surrounding Peacemaker.
Episode 7 of #Peacemaker is live now on @StreamOnMax! pic.twitter.com/O2yFc1an1L
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) October 3, 2025
