Following the smash summer hit that was Superman – which just hit digital availability last weekend – James Gunn’s meticulous plan for the DCU has wasted no time in unfolding with the incoming release of Peacemaker’s second season.
The biggest question that fans had going into this sophomore effort was how exactly Gunn planned to transition his Suicide Squad spinoff show from the now-defunct DCEU into the new, aforementioned universe. From what we’ve seen, it’s safe to say that Gunn handles that clearly, quickly, and without a doubt. From there, it’s a thoughtful extension of everything that made the first season great… and then some.
First things first: there are few better casting decisions in any active comic book adaptation than John Cena as the titular character here. Truly, he’s that good. The supporting cast is full of commendable mini-stars and universe-building additions, but Cena shines as someone fighting for his return to the big screen in glorious red and chrome fashion. And not only is he superb, but the writing for his, and really every character, has taken a seismic leap this season, too. Gunn clearly came into round two with an emphasis on more than the already one-of-one comedic temperature that the series set early on. Here, he’s diving into traumatic pasts (quite literally) with a diehard dedication to making these characters more than meets the eye. Where the DCEU focused much on style and visual flash, the DCU has made it a clear priority early on to put the story first; this tonal shift – or perhaps upgrade – properly reflects that. Although, all the same, Peacemaker is still very much comedy-heavy.
From the first episode, Gunn discards any and all perceived boundaries in favor of his oft-proclaimed “creative freedom” policies that, thus far, he’s successfully applied to the DCU. When he turns the theory on himself, you get multiple scenes that would have your grandmother shun you for weeks if she so much as noticed you watching them. It’s no-holds-barred from top to bottom, and there’s no ramp-up; all Gunn, no brakes.
Does every joke land? Maybe not. Not all the emotional beats do, either, but taking a side character from The Suicide Squad and building a successful series around them at all is an achievement…let alone the movie’s arguable quasi-villain. What Peacemaker gets right is a miracle, and what it doesn’t? An audience hungry for content from this new universe can deal with it.
Further speaking of that connection, every tether than Gunn decided to tie here – whether faintly or consistently – is done with class and tact, just like that one cameo in Superman that it still feels too early to talk about. Without spoiling anything, a specific appearance towards the beginning of the season sets the tone for these sorts of scenes going forward and, from there, it’s all fun and no frills for the newfound diehard fans of the universe.
Peacemaker is hard not to hop on board for. It isn’t an all-timer, nor is it the best show on the superhero scene, but it certainly is a unique, bold, moving adventure from someone who hasn’t missed in the genre, on any level, in perhaps his entire career. It’s a confident re-up for the “Gunn is saving DC” crowd, as well as a reminder of what the lesser-known characters in this universe can bring to the small screen. It teeters the line of being worth a subscription to HBO Max (Max? It’s a platform of many names) for casual audiences, but if you’re a superhero fan of any creed, Peacemaker’s second season is one you shouldn’t miss.
Peacemaker will debut its second season on August 21, 2025, exclusively on HBO Max.
It's a confident re-up for the "Gunn is saving DC" crowd, as well as a reminder of what the lesser-known characters in this universe can bring to the small screen.
-
GVN Rating
Movies, long drives, and mint chocolate chip ice cream.
