James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios, has announced a significant extension for the Peacemaker Season 2 finale, addressing some criticisms about the show’s shorter runtimes this season. As part of the transition from the DCEU to the DCU, the series starring John Cena as Christopher Smith continues to receive strong reviews, with Season 2 surpassing the first season’s critical acclaim. The upcoming episode aims to bring resolution while setting up future stories within the DCU.
Extended Finale to Elevate Peacemaker Season 2’s Closing Episode
Throughout Peacemaker’s sophomore season, fans noted a steady decline in episode length, with the seventh episode dropping to just 33 minutes, a sharp contrast to the more substantial runtimes earlier in the season. James Gunn confirmed on Threads that the Season 2 finale, titled Full Nelson, will run over 57 minutes, making it the longest episode the series has produced by approximately eight minutes. This nearly hour-long runtime breaks the pattern established earlier in Season 2 and brings the total episode runtime for the season to about 334 minutes, averaging just under 42 minutes per episode.
For comparison, Season 1 featured slightly longer episodes overall, with a total runtime near 349 minutes and an average closer to 44 minutes per episode. The extended finale runtime will offer Gunn ample space to wrap up Season 2’s complex storyline and provide necessary setup for his upcoming DCU movie, Man of Tomorrow, scheduled for release on July 9, 2027.
- Season 2 Episode 1: 45 minutes
- Season 2 Episode 2: 49 minutes
- Season 2 Episode 3: 38 minutes
- Season 2 Episode 4: 39 minutes
- Season 2 Episode 5: 37 minutes
- Season 2 Episode 6: 36 minutes
- Season 2 Episode 7: 33 minutes
- Season 2 Episode 8 (Full Nelson): approx. 57 minutes
- Season 1 Episode 1: 47 minutes
- Season 1 Episode 2: 41 minutes
- Season 1 Episode 3: 40 minutes
- Season 1 Episode 4: 47 minutes
- Season 1 Episode 5: 43 minutes
- Season 1 Episode 6: 47 minutes
- Season 1 Episode 7: 39 minutes
- Season 1 Episode 8: 45 minutes
Anticipated Developments in the Season 2 Finale
Following the events of Episode 7,
“Like a Keith in the Night,”
Peacemaker and the 11th Street Kids have escaped from the alternate Nazi dimension known as Earth-X, but the story remains far from over. Keith Smith, also known as Captain Triumph, appears poised to recover from his injuries and may seek revenge against Peacemaker, potentially stirring further conflict within the DCU.
Keith’s vendetta stems from Peacemaker killing his brother and his role in their father’s death. If Keith manages to cross into the main DCU, his Nazi Earth origins suggest he could strongly oppose the DCU’s progressive values, complicating the hero vs. villain dynamic once more.
The complicated relationship between Peacemaker and Emilia Harcourt, portrayed by Jennifer Holland, also remains unresolved. Recent episodes have left their mutual feelings ambiguous, making the direction of their romance a central question heading into the finale.
New Threats and Future Storylines Looming
Another crucial plot thread involves Rick Flag Sr., played by Frank Grillo, who now holds a dimensional portal. According to the show’s promotional material, he intends to send ARGUS agents through it to explore new territories. As Emilia Harcourt explains, these missions aim to discover
“resources [and] new ground for overpopulation,”
signaling expansive implications for the wider DCU world.
Rick Flag Sr. added,
“We’re gonna find what we need in there, and everything we talked about is gonna come to fruition.”
This indicates that ARGUS’s broader plans may intersect with Lex Luthor, another key figure in the DCU played by Nicholas Hoult, who is expected to make another appearance. Their connection could lay the groundwork for Man of Tomorrow and upcoming conflicts within the franchise.
Hints About the Fate of Characters and the Series’ Future
James Gunn has also teased the future of the 11th Street Kids beyond Season 2, with potential directions that do not necessarily involve a traditional Season 3 of Peacemaker. In a statement, he explained,
“You’re gonna find out more in Episode 8 because it’s not necessarily that. Some of these characters will continue, but also, it’s not exactly [Peacemaker Season 3]. I’m not ruling it out. You’ll see Episode 8, and maybe you’ll find out a little bit more.”
This suggests that while some characters may carry on, others might be written out through unexpected or possibly heartbreaking events. The departure of key members from the gang could mark a significant turning point for the franchise and the narrative moving forward.
With the extended runtime of Full Nelson, James Gunn aims to deliver a satisfying conclusion to Peacemaker Season 2 that addresses fan concerns and intricately connects to the wider DCU universe, reinforcing Christopher Smith’s journey and establishing the foundations for future story arcs.
