James Gunn has revealed that Peacemaker season 2 almost featured the return of a character who died in the first season, expanding the show’s exploration of alternate realities. This possibility revolves around the Earth-2 version of Clemson Murn (Chukwudi Iwuji), a figure with a very different role from his original counterpart. The information was shared following the release of Peacemaker season 2, episode 7, which introduced several alternate dimension versions of characters, including some who died in season 1, such as Auggie Smith (Robert Patrick) and Keith Smith (David Denman).
In episode 7, the show brought back Larry Fitzgibbon (Lochlyn Munro) as a police officer from Earth-2 — a version of Larry who also held that position in the original dimension before being killed by a Butterfly. James Gunn discussed these alternate realities in the Peacemaker: The Official Podcast, where he revealed plans to feature Murn from Earth-2 as part of the resistance group called the Sons of Liberty. This character was intended to stand out as a heroic figure, markedly different from the Murn viewers originally met.
James Gunn’s Vision for Earth-2’s Clemson Murn
According to Gunn, Murn on Earth-2 was envisioned as a heroic resistance fighter, contrasting sharply with the darker version of Murn who served the Butterfly cause in season 1. He explained that this alternate Murn was like a “kick-ass Harriet Tubman,” a symbol of strength and rebellion within the Sons of Liberty, a revolutionary faction fighting against oppression on their planet.
I did at one point write a big plotline for Murn . . . where he was a Son of Liberty. He was a hero. Whereas the Murn on our planet was the worst guy in the world before he became a Butterfly, Murn on their planet was the sort of kick-ass Harriet Tubman . . . like a total action hero.
There’s still the future. There’s still an Earth-2. We didn’t blow it up. It still exists.
— James Gunn, Director and Creator
Though this storyline was eventually dropped before filming, Gunn emphasized that Earth-2 remains intact within the Peacemaker narrative, leaving the door open to revisit this dimension and the heroic version of Murn in the future.
Understanding the Role of Earth-2 and Its Characters in the DC Universe
The events in Peacemaker season 2 highlight the harsh realities faced by marginalized groups in this universe. Episode 6 revealed that people of color are being rounded up, and episode 7 confirmed their confinement in work camps. Meanwhile, Earth-2 introduces variations of familiar characters, such as Adrian Chase, also known as Vigilante (Freddie Stroma), portrayed as a Son of Liberty. Peacemaker and his brother fought against members of this resistance in earlier episodes, showcasing the complex political struggles on Earth-2.
If the original plan to bring back Murn as a heroic resistance leader had been realized, it might have added a valuable perspective regarding the experiences of people of color and the Sons of Liberty on that alternate Earth. Unfortunately, this representation was limited in the season’s final episodes since the characters of color depicted were primarily from other dimensions, rather than native to Earth-2’s narrative.
While James Gunn currently has no immediate announcements about revisiting Earth-2’s storylines, the continued existence of this dimension within the DC Universe suggests potential opportunities for its characters, including the resistance fighter Murn, to reappear in future projects.
The Impact of Removing Murn’s Earth-2 Storyline and What It Means Going Forward
Removing the Earth-2 Murn story arc likely helped maintain focus on Peacemaker and the central characters without diluting the narrative. Murn is a significant figure whose heroic version could have overshadowed others, making it challenging to balance character development if he appeared prominently. In contrast, characters like Larry Fitzgibbon could return briefly without disrupting main storylines, serving as engaging cameos.
Despite this, Gunn’s remarks indicate that the concept of Earth-2 and the Sons of Liberty remains alive within the show’s broader framework. This leaves room for the potential reintroduction of that heroic Murn variant or other characters from this dimension, particularly as numerous new DC Universe series and films are underway, broadening the storytelling landscape.
