James Gunn has stirred fresh controversy with the latest episode of Peacemaker Season 2, which advances his Nazi Earth storyline while mocking religion, specifically Jesus Christ. This provocative episode draws a direct, contentious link between Christianity and Nazis, intensifying the James Gunn DCU controversy.
Portrayal of Nazis and Christianity in the Episode
The episode centers on Danielle Brooks’ character, Leota, who escapes a white mob with the assistance of Nhut Le’s Judo Master—both openly LGBTQ+ characters. As they seek refuge in a house, they reflect on life in the Nazi-controlled alternate Earth unveiled earlier in the series. Judo Master explains the harsh realities of this world, warning,
“You don’t want to be a minority here. Or gay or Buddhist or anything I am really.”
In response, Leota expresses shock, uttering, “Jesus Christ.” Judo Master’s following remark is pointed and unsettling: “Him, they love.” This moment is widely interpreted as Gunn’s critical jab at Christianity, implying Nazis and right-wing groups hold a reverence for Jesus, although historically Nazis opposed Christianity and religious institutions except their own dogma.
Episode Title Adds Religious Satire Layer
The episode’s title, Like a Keith in the Night, intentionally parodies the biblical phrase like a thief in the night. By twisting this well-known religious reference, Gunn deepens the episode’s critique and mockery of Christianity, embedding the satire within the show’s core narrative.
Depiction of Nazi World and Endorsement of Anti-Police Sentiment
Beyond religious mockery, the episode also suggests the Nazi-ruled alternate Earth is nearly indistinguishable from their own reality. Characters in the episode openly express approval of killing police officers, reinforcing a recurring theme of anti-authority and anti-establishment messaging that Gunn has promoted since his work on Creature Commandos.
“Superman leads into this show and then we have the setting up of all of the rest of the DCU in this season of Peacemaker, it’s incredibly important,”
James Gunn emphasized the show’s crucial role in establishing the wider DC Universe, linking Superman’s introduction to the unfolding storyline of Peacemaker and the DCU.
James Gunn’s Growing Pattern of Political Provocation
This episode is part of a larger trend where James Gunn prioritizes politically charged, provocative content over traditional character development. From reimagining Superman’s origins to incorporating racial themes and now mocking religious faith while glorifying Nazis, the DCU under Gunn has sparked widespread debate. Disturbingly, the series also depicts instances of violence between characters, further unsettling viewers.
With Gunn poised to write and direct the upcoming Man of Tomorrow project, the question remains how these provocative themes will influence future DCU productions and whether the backlash will lead to any creative shifts.
In his DCU Peacemaker episode ‘Like a Thief in the Night,’ @JamesGunn mocks faith — equating love for Jesus Christ with Nazis. pic.twitter.com/BQOjFW09eb
— Cosmic Book News (@cosmicbooknews) October 3, 2025
"Superman leads into this show and then we have the setting up of all of the rest of the DCU in this season of Peacemaker, it's incredibly important," – James Gunn
James Gunn's DCU pic.twitter.com/MKYmpJOWuf
— Nerdrotic (@Nerdrotics) October 3, 2025
