DCU Timeline Clarified in Peacemaker Season 2 Trailer

Summer 2025 promises an exhilarating time for DC enthusiasts. Just weeks after the cinematic debut of Superman, marking the live-action introduction of James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DCU, fans can look forward to the return of Peacemaker. John Cena reprises his role as the gun-toting, peace-loving Christopher Smith, with many of the beloved Season 1 cast members returning for another round of action and humor.

The first Peacemaker Season 2 trailer offers a glimpse into the upcoming plot and its connections to both the inaugural season and Gunn's The Suicide Squad. From new insights into the DCU timeline and Rick Flagg's role as the "villain" to the noticeable absence of Vigilante, let's explore the significant points from the trailer.

DC Universe: Every Upcoming Movie and TV Show

View 39 ImagesFreddie Stroma’s Vigilante in Peacemaker Season 2

While it would be unfair to label John Cena's Christopher Smith as the least interesting character in Peacemaker, he undeniably captivates audiences. A walking paradox, he champions peace while engaging in violent conflicts, embodying the quintessential Gunn-style humor with a deeply buried heart of gold. Yet, despite the show's focus on its titular character, Peacemaker thrives as an ensemble piece. The supporting cast is crucial to its success, much like Team Flash's dynamic in The CW’s The Flash series. Among the ensemble, Freddie Stroma's Vigilante truly stands out.

Vigilante was the breakout star of Season 1, providing comic relief as a clingy best friend to Cena's Peacemaker, showcasing potential as a superhero despite his tragicomic human flaws. Although the series deviates from the comic book version of the character, his entertainment value is undeniable. It's somewhat disappointing to see less of Stroma's character in the trailer. While Cena naturally commands the spotlight, and Jennifer Holland's Emilia Harcourt deals with significant anger issues, Vigilante is pushed to the background. We see him working at a fast food restaurant, grappling with the realization that saving the world doesn't guarantee fame. Hopefully, the trailer does not reflect his limited role throughout the season.

The trailer kicks off with a surprising scene: Peacemaker attends an open interview with the Justice League. Sean Gunn’s Maxwell Lord, Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner, and Isabela Merced’s Hawkgirl are present, and they seem to dismiss Peacemaker before he can make his case. This sequence offers a deeper look into the Justice League's group dynamics than what's seen in the Superman trailer. This version of the Justice League is markedly different from the one briefly shown in Season 1, showcasing a more sarcastic and irreverent team that fits well within Peacemaker's universe.

Gunn draws inspiration from DC's cherished Justice League International comics, emphasizing a team of quirky misfits rather than the biggest heroes. Maxwell Lord acts as the team's leader and financier, similar to the comics. The scene was likely filmed concurrently with Superman, facilitating the presence of Gunn, Fillion, and Merced. While the Justice League may not have a significant recurring role in Peacemaker Season 2 beyond Chris’s failed audition, it's exciting to see the team's dynamics and the humor and personality Isabela Merced brings to Hawkgirl, a stark contrast to the Arrowverse's less compelling portrayal.

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The Return of Frank Grillo’s Rick Flagg, Sr.

Frank Grillo's portrayal of Rick Flagg, Sr. serves as a pivotal connector within the DCU. After featuring prominently in the Creature Commandos animated series and set to debut in live-action in Superman, Flagg's role in Peacemaker Season 2 as the main antagonist is a significant development. However, labeling him a "villain" might be too simplistic, given his motivations. As a grieving father and the head of ARGUS, Flagg has both legal authority and a moral stance in his conflict with Peacemaker.

This sets the stage for a compelling narrative in Season 2. Despite Peacemaker's desire to be seen as a hero, his actions in The Suicide Squad cannot be overlooked. The tension between seeking redemption and facing consequences will be intriguing, with viewers potentially rooting for Flagg's quest for vengeance against Team Peacemaker.

Making Sense of the DCU Timeline

Peacemaker Season 2 directly builds on the events of The Suicide Squad, indicating that certain elements from the previous DCEU remain relevant. The Suicide Squad seems to serve as the unofficial precursor to the DCU, with numerous references in the new universe. A clear timeline is emerging: The Suicide Squad in 2021, Peacemaker Season 1 in 2022, Creature Commandos in 2024, Superman in July 2025, and Peacemaker Season 2 in August 2025, followed by an array of projects like Lanterns and Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.

Gunn is keen on retaining the groundwork laid by The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker Season 1, despite the shift to a new continuity. As Gunn mentioned in an interview with IGN, canon matters only to a certain extent in storytelling. He emphasized the importance of authenticity and care for the stories and characters, acknowledging the fictional nature of the universe.

Gunn is also addressing the continuity issue posed by the DCEU Justice League's cameo in Peacemaker Season 1. He hinted that Season 2 will tackle this, possibly through the multiverse, as seen in a scene where Chris encounters an alternate version of himself in his father’s dimension.

Ultimately, with minor exceptions like the Justice League cameo, The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker Season 1 can be integrated into the DCU. This allows for continuity in characters like Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn, John Cena's Peacemaker, and Viola Davis's Amanda Waller. The exact canon status in the DCU should become clearer by the end of Peacemaker Season 2, and fans eagerly await its return, hoping for more of Vigilante.