James Gunn has offered new insights into the fate of Peacemaker following the dramatic conclusion of Peacemaker Season 2, linking the story to the upcoming Man of Tomorrow film in the DC Universe. The season finale, titled Full Nelson, revealed a major twist involving Peacemaker’s exile to a mysterious alien prison, setting the stage for future DCU developments.
Introducing Salvation: The New Prison World for Metahumans
In the lead-up to the Peacemaker Season 2 finale, James Gunn, who co-heads DC Studios, hinted that the final episode would be crucial for establishing elements that will expand in Man of Tomorrow. When Full Nelson aired last week, viewers discovered Salvation, an alien planet transformed by the U.S. government into a prison designated for metahumans. The season closes with Rick Flag Sr. punishing Christopher Smith, also known as Peacemaker, by banishing him to this remote and perilous dimension. Salvation is intended to become a recurring location throughout the DC Universe’s current saga, though Gunn clarified that Man of Tomorrow will explore this concept further without answering all the lingering questions surrounding Peacemaker’s fate.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Gunn was directly asked if Man of Tomorrow would provide answers about what happens to Peacemaker after the cliffhanger ending. He responded decisively:
No, no, no. But people should expect that the way that the military and Rick Flag and everybody are working together and they’ve created a probably illegal prison for metahumans on another dimension is gonna be a part of DCU stories going forward,
James Gunn, DC Studios Co-Head
And not just a tertiary, ‘Oh, this is Arkham’ — it’s a part of the stories. There’s an escalating war, obviously, that’s going on between the government and metahumans. And this is a part of it.
James Gunn, DC Studios Co-Head
Gunn emphasized that this ongoing tension between the government and the metahuman community will feature prominently in future DC narratives, moving beyond a simple backdrop to become a core conflict within the expanding universe.
Peacemaker’s Future Remains Uncertain Across the DC Universe
Despite the provocative ending of Peacemaker Season 2, there are currently no public plans for a third season of the show. Instead, the storyline threads opened in Peacemaker will be continued in other projects within the DC Universe. Serving as a bridge between the Superman storyline and Man of Tomorrow, Peacemaker’s absence from upcoming films has left fans hoping John Cena might appear in some form to clarify what becomes of Christopher Smith after the finale. However, Gunn has made it clear that no such cameo is planned.
Known for his transparency with fans, Gunn has already confirmed that David Corenswet, the actor cast in Man of Tomorrow, will not appear on Peacemaker, setting clearer audience expectations. His statements should be taken as reliable indications of forthcoming plans rather than deliberate misdirection. This has left many wondering where and when Peacemaker’s story will continue.
James Gunn has described Peacemaker as “an important character” to the overarching narrative the DC Universe is developing. Audiences can be assured that Smith’s story is not being abandoned entirely, but the question remains as to when fans will see more of him. One logical avenue could be the upcoming TV series Lanterns, which Gunn has described as vital in setting up significant future storylines while remaining an independent narrative. It remains to be seen whether Lanterns will explore the Salvation prison or lay groundwork for another significant chapter in the saga. Other shows like Supergirl or Clayface seem unlikely venues to revisit Peacemaker’s arc at this time.
There is also speculation that Peacemaker may resurface in as-yet-unannounced projects. Given that several of his allies are now in charge of the Checkmate agency, a series centered around their search for Peacemaker is a possibility. Checkmate is poised to maintain an important role within the DC Universe, similar to ARGUS, which could be a clue that Gunn intends to involve these characters in future stories. Since DC Studios has not officially released any film or series schedules beyond 2027, much about its slate remains unconfirmed. When more announcements are made, fans will have a better sense of where Peacemaker’s character might appear next.
The Stakes of Leaving Peacemaker’s Story Unresolved
Prolonged uncertainty about Peacemaker’s fate risks frustrating the show’s loyal fan base, especially following a season finale that left many viewers feeling unsettled. Should Peacemaker’s storyline linger unresolved for too long, there is concern it could be overshadowed amid the DC Universe’s broader narrative expansion. This would parallel past instances from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where some plot threads raised significant anticipation but ultimately led to little resolution. Thankfully, James Gunn’s evident fondness and commitment to Peacemaker’s character suggest the story will receive the attention it deserves as the DCU evolves.
