James Gunn Explains 'Peacemaker' Season 2's Earth-2 Twist, Danielle Brooks' Input, and DCU Connections
James Gunn has shed light on the pivotal Earth-2 storyline in Peacemaker season two, revealing how Danielle Brooks’ input helped shape one of the show’s most sensitive narrative turns.
James Gunn reveals how Peacemaker season 2’s Earth-2 twist was shaped with Danielle Brooks’ input, plus updates on Lex Luthor and DCU ties.
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The second season follows Christopher “Peacemaker” Smith (John Cena) as he discovers an alternate reality through his family’s Quantum Unfolding Chamber (QUC). Earth-2 initially offers him everything he has long desired: a loving father, Auggie Smith (Robert Patrick); a supportive Emilia Harcourt (Jennifer Holland); and a grown-up version of his brother Keith (David Denman), who never died in childhood.
By episode five, “Back to the Suture,” Peacemaker chooses to remain in Earth-2, believing he has finally found fulfillment. However, the utopian façade collapses as Evergreen, Washington, is revealed to be a “sundown town.” This alternate history places the world under the shadow of a German Reich victory in World War II, making Earth-2 a haven for white supremacy.
The 11th Street Kids—Harcourt, Vigilante (Freddie Stroma), John Economos (Steve Agee), and Leota Adebayo (Danielle Brooks)—embark on a mission to rescue Chris. Harcourt quickly detects the darker reality beneath the surface, while Adebayo faces a storyline that Gunn approached with care.
Gunn consulted Brooks directly before finalizing episode 206, titled “Ignorance Is Chris.” He explained that he wanted to ensure the concept was handled thoughtfully, given its potential weight. “When I wrote episode 206, I sent it to Danielle, and I was like, ‘This is where we’re going with this. Tell me what you think.’ And she was really into it,” Gunn told The Hollywood Reporter.
Beyond Peacemaker’s personal journey, season two also reintroduces Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor at Belle Reeve prison, where his dynamic with Rick Flag Sr. (Frank Grillo) begins to shape the path toward Superman: Man of Tomorrow. Gunn confirmed that their relationship will remain a central thread within the DCU’s ongoing storylines.
Hoult’s darker portrayal of Luthor was a natural evolution, Gunn explained, pointing to the character’s imprisonment and more grounded dialogue in Peacemaker. This version contrasts with the heightened tone of upcoming Superman projects.
The series has also sparked conversation with its pop culture references, including nods to Spider-Man. Gunn clarified that no clearance was needed for those mentions, just as with earlier Marvel references in his Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special.
Gunn further reflected on his transition from Marvel to DC Studios leadership, noting that his current role gives him greater appreciation for the decision-making challenges faced by former Marvel boss Kevin Feige. He acknowledged the complexities of overseeing interconnected projects and shifting narratives across a shared universe.
Addressing speculation around casting, Gunn dismissed rumors linking his viewing of Taylor Sheridan’s 1923 to Batman scouting. While praising breakout actor Brandon Sklenar and co-star Julia Schlaepfer, Gunn stated his interest in the series stems from his admiration for Sheridan’s storytelling rather than DCU casting plans.
Peacemaker season two continues to examine themes of identity, guilt, and redemption, building on Chris Smith’s struggles following his actions in The Suicide Squad. Gunn confirmed he has no plans to revisit conflicts with characters like Harley Quinn, Bloodsport, or Ratcatcher 2, noting that Peacemaker’s guilt is being fully explored through his relationship with Rick Flag Sr.
Peacemaker season two is now streaming on HBO and HBO Max, with new episodes releasing Thursdays.
