James Gunn, the showrunner behind John Cena’s Peacemaker series, has confirmed that there are no immediate plans to renew the show for a third season as of October 2025. Instead, Gunn is focusing on expanding the character’s story within a broader landscape of DC Universe (DCU) projects, including the new series Checkmate, which was introduced at the conclusion of Peacemaker’s second season.
James Gunn’s Current Stance on Peacemaker Season 3
<pDuring an interview with Deadline, James Gunn discussed his approach to Peacemaker’s future, making it clear that the show is not canceled indefinitely but paused while attention turns to other narratives within the evolving DCU. He explained that Peacemaker was created as an introductory chapter for a new era of interconnected DC stories, which means the focus is now on developing those larger arcs involving multiple characters.
“No, this is about the wider DCU and other stories in which this will play out right now. That doesn’t mean that there won’t be. I don’t want to say never, but right now, no—this is about the future of the DCU. It’s an important character,”
James Gunn, Showrunner and DC Studios CEO.
Gunn, who has also directed several episodes of Peacemaker, highlighted the significance of the character but stressed that Peacemaker’s journey continues beyond just his solo show. The unfolding storylines will intertwine with other DC projects, positioning Peacemaker as part of a much larger narrative rather than focusing solely on standalone seasons.
Introduction of Checkmate: A New Direction for Peacemaker
The finale of Peacemaker Season 2 set the stage for Checkmate, a secretive organization within the DC Universe whose thematic concept revolves around the game of chess. This series will delve into espionage and covert operations, expanding the universe introduced in Peacemaker with new characters and storylines. The Checkmate team is structured in dual factions: the “white” group specializes in intelligence gathering, while the “black” team undertakes field missions, reflecting the chess game’s strategic divisions.
Key Characters Featured in Checkmate
The upcoming Checkmate series will reunite familiar faces from Peacemaker, alongside new agents drawn from the comic source material. Returning actors include John Cena as Peacemaker, Jennifer Holland as Emilia Harcourt, Steve Agee as John Economos, Danielle Brooks as Leota Adebayo, and Freddie Stroma portraying Vigilante/Adrian Chase. Additionally, the lineup features former A.R.G.U.S. operatives Sasha Bordeaux (Sol Rodríguez) and Langston Fleury (Tim Meadows), plus Judomaster (Nhut Le).
Checkmate historically debuted in the late 1980s as a team largely composed of DC’s anti-heroes. Early members like Peacemaker and Vigilante highlight its combat-ready and morally complex nature. Over the years, various leaders such as Amanda Waller, Maxwell Lord, Mister Terrific, and Sasha Bordeaux have helmed the group, all of whom are central assets in this new adaptation led by Gunn.
Upcoming DC Projects Alongside Checkmate
While the fate of the Checkmate show remains unconfirmed, DC Studios is moving forward with several eagerly awaited projects scheduled over the next few years. In 2026, DC plans to release “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow,” a significant addition to their superhero roster, and the horror film “Clayface.” Moreover, a sequel to the 2025 Superman feature “Man of Tomorrow” is slated for a summer 2027 release, promising to extend the ongoing narrative of the DC cinematic universe.
Future Prospects for Peacemaker and DC’s Expanding Universe
James Gunn’s decision to pause Peacemaker Season 3 reflects a strategic refocusing on building a broader DC universe where characters cross paths and stories interweave. Though fans of Peacemaker may feel anxious about the hiatus, the showrunner’s intention is to preserve the character’s relevance within the larger DC narrative rather than confining him to a single title. The launch of Checkmate presents a fresh avenue for storytelling, with potential to revitalize interest in these complex anti-heroes operating at the shadows of the DC world.
By integrating characters like Peacemaker into ensemble projects, DC Studios aims to craft a more cohesive and engaging universe that balances individual arcs with overarching plots. Given James Gunn’s involvement as both showrunner and DC Studios CEO, his vision will likely guide the direction of these interconnected stories, shaping the future of the DC franchise for years to come.
Q. Will there be Peacemaker Season 3 anytime soon?
A. No, showrunner James Gunn declined Peacemaker Season 3. Instead, he confired the superhero character Peacemaker to reappear in DC’s Checkmate series.
Q. Who are the characters of DC’s Checkmate series?
A. DC’s Checkmate comic has Peacemaker (John Cena), Emilia Harcourt (Jennifer Holland), John Economos (Steve Agee), Leota Adebayo (Danielle Brooks), Vigilante/Adrian Chase (Freddie Stroma), former A.R.G.U.S. agents Sasha Bordeaux (Sol Rodríguez), Langston Fleury (Tim Meadows), as well as Judomaster (Nhut Le).
Q. What are DC’s upcoming projects in the coming years?
A. DC Studios CEO James Gunn is coming up with Supergirl: Women of Tomorrow and horror flick Clayface, DC also announced a sequel to the 2025 Superman movie, Man of Tomorrow, which is slated to release in Summer 2027.
