DCU Timeline Revealed in Peacemaker Season 2 Trailer

Summer 2025 is set to be an exhilarating time for DC enthusiasts. Just weeks after the theatrical release of Superman, which marks the live-action debut of James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DCU, fans will be treated to another season of Peacemaker. John Cena reprises his role as the peace-loving, yet gun-toting, Christopher Smith, joined by many familiar faces from Season 1.

The first trailer for Peacemaker Season 2 offers intriguing insights into the upcoming plot and its connections to both the first season and Gunn’s The Suicide Squad. From new details about the DCU timeline and Rick Flagg's role as the "villain" to the notable absence of Vigilante, let's delve into the key highlights from the trailer.

DC Universe: Every Upcoming Movie and TV Show

View 39 ImagesFreddie Stroma’s Vigilante in Peacemaker Season 2

It would be unfair to label John Cena's Christopher Smith as the least interesting character in Peacemaker. He's a fascinating figure, embodying a walking contradiction as he champions peace while engaging in violent conflict. His character is infused with Gunn’s signature humor and a hidden heart of gold.

However, despite Peacemaker being centered around its titular character, the show thrives as an ensemble piece. The supporting cast is pivotal to the series' success, much like how Team Flash was crucial to The CW's The Flash. Among these characters, Freddie Stroma's Vigilante truly stands out. He was the breakout star of Season 1, serving as a humorous counterpart to Peacemaker—a clingy best friend with superhero potential, albeit with a melancholic streak. While the series takes liberties with the comic book version of Vigilante, his entertaining presence more than compensates.

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 rage issues, Vigilante appears relegated to the background. We see him working at a fast food restaurant and grappling with the realization that saving the world doesn't necessarily bring fame. Hopefully, the trailer doesn't reflect his overall role in the season, and we'll get to see more of him as the series unfolds.

The trailer kicks off with an unexpected scene where Peacemaker attends an open interview with the Justice League. Characters like Sean Gunn’s Maxwell Lord, Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner, and Isabela Merced’s Hawkgirl are present, and it's evident they've already dismissed Peacemaker before he can make his case.

This sequence provides a clearer picture of the Justice League's dynamic than what's shown in the Superman trailer. This version of the Justice League is markedly different from the one briefly seen in Season 1, showcasing a more sardonic and irreverent group that fits well with the tone of Peacemaker. Gunn draws inspiration from DC's beloved Justice League International comics, focusing on an eclectic mix of characters who need the legitimacy that comes with being part of the Justice League.

It's likely that Gunn filmed this scene during the Superman shoot, making it easier to bring together the actors. While the team may not have a major recurring role in Peacemaker Season 2 beyond Chris's failed audition, it's refreshing to get a glimpse into their dynamic. Notably, Isabela Merced brings a delightful blend of humor and personality to her portrayal of Hawkgirl, promising a much more engaging version of the character than seen in the Arrowverse.

Who Is DC's Peacemaker? John Cena's The Suicide Squad Character Explained

View 9 Images The Return of Frank Grillo’s Rick Flagg, Sr.

Frank Grillo's portrayal of Rick Flagg, Sr. is becoming the linchpin of the DCU. He played a significant role in the Creature Commandos animated series and is set to make his live-action debut in Superman. Now, Flagg is poised to be a central figure in Peacemaker Season 2.

Flagg appears to be the primary antagonist, though "villain" might be too strong a term given his motivations. He's a father seeking justice for his murdered son and now heads ARGUS, giving him both legal authority and moral standing in his conflict with Peacemaker. This sets up an intriguing dynamic for Season 2, as Chris grapples with his past actions in The Suicide Squad. Despite his efforts to become a hero, the blood on his hands remains. It will be fascinating to see if viewers will empathize with Flagg's quest for revenge against Team Peacemaker.

Making Sense of the DCU Timeline

It's interesting to note how directly Season 2 builds upon The Suicide Squad. While the DCU aims to start fresh with a new continuity, elements from the previous DCEU are retained. The Suicide Squad now seems to serve as the unofficial first DCU movie, given its frequent references within the new universe.

The DCU timeline is becoming clearer: The Suicide Squad in 2021, followed by Peacemaker Season 1 in 2022, then Creature Commandos in 2024 as the first official DCU project. Next comes Superman in July 2025, followed by Peacemaker Season 2 in August 2025, after which the DCU will expand with series like Lanterns and movies like Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.

Gunn is keen on preserving the work done in The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker Season 1, despite Warner Bros.' efforts to differentiate the new from the old. As Gunn mentioned in a recent interview with IGN, canon isn't the be-all and end-all. "Hopefully there's authenticity and truth to those stories because we care about those stories, the characters, the actors, the performers, the animators," he said. "They all care about these stories, but it's not real."

Gunn is aware of the continuity challenge posed by the DCEU Justice League's appearance in Peacemaker Season 1. He plans to address this in Season 2. "The truth is almost all of Peacemaker is canon with the exception of Justice League … which we will kind of deal with in the next season of Peacemaker," he teased.

The trailer hints at a scene where Chris enters his father's dimension and encounters another version of himself, suggesting the use of the multiverse to resolve continuity issues. Apart from the Justice League cameo, there's little stopping Gunn from officially integrating The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker Season 1 into the DCU. This approach allows for continuity with characters like Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn, John Cena's Peacemaker, and Viola Davis' Amanda Waller, while potentially recasting others like the Joker.

By the end of Peacemaker Season 2, the canon of the DCU should be much clearer. Fans are eagerly anticipating the series' return, with a hope that Vigilante won't be sidelined.