Originally, Chris Conrad was cast to portray Vigilante in the HBO Max series Peacemaker, appearing in most of the first season’s filming. However, he was replaced by Freddie Stroma due to creative disagreements with James Gunn. Stroma’s interpretation of Vigilante has quickly become a fan favorite, largely because the character defies traditional heroic tropes, revealing darker and more complicated aspects. For instance, a recent episode disclosed that Vigilante’s basement contains large amounts of cash and drugs confiscated during his crime-fighting efforts.
Unclear Diagnosis: Is Vigilante Neurodivergent?
There has been significant speculation about whether Adrian Chase, Vigilante’s true identity, might be neurodivergent. Yet, neither James Gunn nor Freddie Stroma is ready to make a definitive claim about the character’s mental state or diagnosis. When asked directly, Stroma shared,
“I’ve had a lot of people asking me if he’s on the spectrum, if he’s a sociopath, if he’s a psychopath,”
Freddie Stroma, actor
“I just know James and I have talked about this, I am not qualified to make that label, that decision. So I feel like I’m going to stay out of it and let other people decide and maybe just keep that conversation going.”
Freddie Stroma, actor
He also deflected the question back to the showrunner, saying,
“Or I’d say ask James. I’m going to shift it onto him, He’s the one who writes the character, so it’s his character.”
Freddie Stroma, actor
James Gunn’s Perspective on Vigilante’s Moral Complexity
James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios and showrunner, addressed the discussion about Vigilante’s psychological profile, emphasizing the character’s moral ambiguity. He responded,
“I’ll be very honest with you here — yes, I know what I think of Adrian as being. But I’m not sure he’s necessarily a great person to represent that stuff because he is, in some ways, morally not admirable.”
James Gunn, DC Studios co-CEO
Gunn compared Vigilante to Peacemaker, who, despite his flaws, is portrayed as a growing moral figure. He noted,
“Peacemaker has plenty of flaws, but he’s also a moral individual who’s growing and getting better,”
James Gunn, DC Studios co-CEO
“And Adrian, we all love him, he’s lovable, we want to hug him, we want him to be our friend, but what he does in life is not great.”
James Gunn, DC Studios co-CEO
Gunn further explained why he avoids labeling Vigilante with specific neurodivergent diagnoses,
“So I don’t necessarily want to give him a public diagnosis and say, ‘These people are like this,’ because…I don’t know if he is good representation, frankly. And so that’s why I refrain from ever saying what I think his diagnosis — and it would be diagnoses — are.”
James Gunn, DC Studios co-CEO
Vigilante’s Violent Choices and Complex Relationships
The last time Vigilante was seen on the show, he had formed a surprising friendship with his alternate universe doppelganger and violently stabbed Auggie Smith in front of a shocked Peacemaker. Despite the brutality, James Gunn suggested that the event is unlikely to damage Vigilante’s friendship with Peacemaker. This dynamic highlights the tangled moral and emotional landscape the characters inhabit.
Overview of Peacemaker Season 2
Peacemaker’s second season centers on Chris Smith, the vigilante superhero wrestling with his troubled past while pursuing an often misguided quest for peace at all costs. The storyline explores his discovery of an alternate world embodying everything he desires, forcing him to confront his trauma and determine his own future. Alongside Freddie Stroma, the season features performances from John Cena, Danielle Brooks, Jennifer Holland, Steve Agee, Frank Grillo, Sol Rodríguez, David Denman, Brey Noelle, and Tim Meadows. Currently, seven episodes are available for streaming on HBO Max, continuing to deepen the exploration of complex, flawed heroes in the DC universe.
