DCU Timeline Revealed in Peacemaker Season 2 Trailer

Summer 2025 is set to be an exhilarating period for DC enthusiasts. Following the cinematic debut of Superman and the introduction of James Gunn and Peter Safran's DCU, fans can look forward to the return of "Peacemaker" for its second season. John Cena reprises his role as the peace-loving yet gun-toting Christopher Smith, joined by many familiar faces from the first season.

The first trailer for Peacemaker Season 2 offers a glimpse into the upcoming plot and its connections to both the first 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 delve into the key highlights from the trailer.

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Freddie Stroma’s Vigilante in Peacemaker Season 2

Labeling John Cena's Christopher Smith as the least interesting character in "Peacemaker" would be an injustice. He's a complex figure, embodying a paradox as he advocates for peace while engaging in violent conflict. His character also showcases Gunn's signature blend of humor and heart.

While "Peacemaker" centers on its titular character, the series thrives as an ensemble piece. The supporting cast is pivotal to the show's success, much like how "The Flash" series on The CW relied on its Team Flash dynamic. Among these characters, Freddie Stroma's Vigilante stands out as a scene-stealer.

Vigilante emerged as the breakout star of Season 1, serving as a humorous counterpart to Peacemaker. His portrayal as a clingy best friend with superhero aspirations, despite his personal shortcomings, was both entertaining and endearing. Although the series deviates from the comic book version of the character, his charm is undeniable.

It's somewhat disappointing to see less of Stroma's character in the trailer. While Cena naturally takes center stage, and Jennifer Holland's Emilia Harcourt is prominently featured dealing with her anger, Vigilante is pushed to the background. We see him working at a fast food restaurant, grappling with the reality that saving the world doesn't guarantee fame. Hopefully, his role in the season will be more substantial than the trailer suggests.

Meeting the DCU Justice League

The trailer kicks off with a surprising scene where 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 scene provides a deeper look into the Justice League's dynamics than what was shown in the Superman trailer. This version of the Justice League is markedly different from the one briefly seen in Season 1, with a more sarcastic and irreverent tone that fits well within the "Peacemaker" universe.

Gunn's inspiration from DC's Justice League International comics is evident, with Lord as the team's leader and financier. The focus is on a diverse group of quirky characters rather than the traditional lineup of major heroes, emphasizing the need for legitimacy that comes with being part of the Justice League.

It's likely that this scene was filmed during the production of "Superman," making it convenient to include Gunn, Fillion, and Merced. While the Justice League may not have a significant ongoing role in "Peacemaker" Season 2 beyond this scene, it's exciting to see the team's dynamics and the humor Merced brings to Hawkgirl. The new Justice League is shaping up to be a refreshing addition to the DCU.

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

Frank Grillo's Rick Flagg, Sr. is becoming a central figure in the DCU. After his role in the "Creature Commandos" animated series and his upcoming live-action debut in "Superman," Flagg is set to be a major player in "Peacemaker" Season 2.

Flagg appears to be the main antagonist of the season, though "villain" might be too strong a term given his motivations. He's a father seeking justice for his son's murder and now heads ARGUS, giving him both legal authority and moral justification in his conflict with Peacemaker.

This setup promises a compelling dynamic for Season 2. Despite Peacemaker's desire to be seen as a changed man and a true hero, his past actions in "The Suicide Squad" cannot be overlooked. The question remains: will viewers sympathize with Flagg's quest for revenge against Team Peacemaker?

Making Sense of the DCU Timeline

The inclusion of Flagg directly ties Season 2 to "The Suicide Squad," highlighting how certain elements from the previous DCEU are being integrated into the new DCU. "The Suicide Squad" can now be considered the unofficial first DCU movie, given its significant references in the new continuity.

The DCU timeline is becoming clearer: "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. Following this, the DCU will expand with 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 new continuity. As he mentioned in an interview with IGN, the importance of canon is relative. "Hopefully there's authenticity and truth to those stories because we care about those stories, the characters, the actors, the performers, the animators," Gunn stated. "They all care about these stories, but it's not real."

Gunn acknowledges the challenge posed by the DCEU Justice League's cameo in "Peacemaker" Season 1. He plans to address this continuity issue in Season 2, possibly through the multiverse, as hinted by a scene where Chris encounters another version of himself in his father's dimension.

Apart from the Justice League cameo, there's little stopping Gunn from officially integrating "The Suicide Squad" and "Peacemaker" Season 1 into the DCU. "The Suicide Squad" is already a standalone project, with only a few connections to the broader DCEU, allowing Gunn to retain key characters like Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn, John Cena's Peacemaker, and Viola Davis' Amanda Waller.

By the end of "Peacemaker" Season 2, the DCU's canon should be much clearer. Fans are eagerly anticipating the series' return, hoping for more of Vigilante's presence.