The season 2 finale of Peacemaker introduced Salvation, a parallel dimension serving as a metahuman prison within the Quantum Unfolding Chamber (QUC), where Chris Smith, played by John Cena, becomes the first inmate. The QUC contains countless doors leading to various alternate dimensions, and one of these doors was nearly used to introduce a Marvel character into the DC Universe. James Gunn, the creator of Peacemaker and leader of the DC Universe (DCU) projects, revealed that Deadpool, Marvel’s iconic fourth-wall-breaking mercenary, was originally planned to make a cameo in the finale.
During a press event, Gunn explained that the A.R.G.U.S. team, while exploring the QUC, would have opened a door to uncover Deadpool in a separate room. This surprising crossover was intended to momentarily bridge the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and DCU, both major franchises. Although Gunn did not provide extensive details, his admission that
“Yeah, I wanted them to open the door and see Deadpool in a room,”
highlights how close the idea came to fruition.
Initially, the QUC was introduced in Peacemaker Season 1 as a small pocket dimension used by Auggie Smith (Robert Patrick) to store gear. In Season 2, its importance grew substantially, especially within the larger DCU, where pocket dimensions have thematic significance tied to Superman’s storylines. With A.R.G.U.S. now discussing thousands of doors within the QUC, the possibility that one might connect to a world like Deadpool’s was within storytelling reach, opening up fascinating yet complicated crossover potential.
What a Deadpool Appearance Would Have Meant for Marvel-DC Collaborations
Deadpool’s defining trait of breaking the fourth wall—often speaking directly to the audience or referencing outside realities—would have added a layered complexity to any crossover event. Having him appear in Peacemaker would have not only broken Marvel’s universe barrier but also required multiple levels of meta-commentary, blurring the lines between the two massive entertainment franchises.
James Gunn revealed he initiated discussions with Ryan Reynolds, the actor behind Deadpool, but the crossover proved difficult to execute. Gunn said,
“I talked to Ryan Reynolds about it, and we’d have had to go through some pretty, pretty big hoops to do that. He wanted to do it.”
While the cameo concept was appealing, the necessary approvals and legalities presented significant obstacles.
Gunn has been openly interested in a larger Marvel-DC crossover, describing conversations about it as ongoing, stating,
“we’ve talked about it a billion times,”
and that a crossover “could easily happen.” However, he emphasized such an event must come from a genuine creative place and be meaningful, rather than a simple gimmick. This is why a brief Deadpool cameo in Peacemaker, a spin-off series, did not satisfy the requirements for such a monumental milestone between the studios.
Reflecting on the challenge, Gunn said,
“It’s gotta come from a real place, and it’s really hard to make that work.”
The first significant Marvel-DC crossover on screen would need to have a deeper narrative purpose and likely belong on the major theatrical stage, rather than in a fleeting TV moment.
The Impact of a Marvel-DC Crossover Cameo on the Peacemaker Finale
Though intriguing, Gunn acknowledged that having Deadpool briefly appear in the Peacemaker finale might have overshadowed the show’s own storyline and character developments.
“That’s all anybody’s going to talk about now is f***ing Deadpool in the other room,”
he stated, recognizing the potential distraction.
The cameo would primarily have been a humorous nod rather than an important plot device. Fans and critics might have fixated on the minor crossover moment, generating speculation and theories that would detract from the finale’s intended emotional and narrative impact. Without meaningful character interaction or story advancement, the brief appearance risked reducing Deadpool’s entrance to a novelty rather than a significant storytelling event.
Despite these challenges, the idea of a crossover has its appeal. Both Deadpool and Peacemaker share traits as irreverent, foul-mouthed antiheroes who find family in unexpected places. Interactions between them could be entertaining and rewarding if handled thoughtfully. Still, without a solid narrative foundation or future integration plan, it was prudent to reserve such a meeting for a more suitable occasion.
For now, fans can watch both seasons of Peacemaker streaming on HBO Max, enjoying the show’s original stories and characters.
