Summer 2025 promises an exhilarating period for DC enthusiasts. Following the cinematic debut of James Gunn and Peter Safran's DCU with Superman, fans can look forward to the return of Peacemaker for another season. John Cena reprises his role as the enigmatic Christopher Smith, and many familiar faces from Season 1 join him, ensuring continuity and excitement.

The first Peacemaker Season 2 trailer provides a glimpse into the upcoming plot, detailing how it ties back to Season 1 and Gunn's The Suicide Squad. From new insights into the DCU timeline to Rick Flagg's intriguing role as the "villain," and a noticeable absence of Vigilante, let's delve into the significant highlights from the trailer.

DC Universe: Every Upcoming Movie and TV Show

View 39 ImagesFreddie Stroma’s Vigilante in Peacemaker Season 2

John Cena's portrayal of Christopher Smith, the peace-loving yet violent Peacemaker, is undeniably captivating. Smith embodies the paradox of advocating for peace while engaging in brutal combat, all wrapped in Gunn's signature blend of humor and heart.

However, Peacemaker is more than just its titular character; it thrives on its ensemble cast, much like The CW's The Flash relied on its Team Flash dynamic. Among these characters, Freddie Stroma's Vigilante shines as a standout. Season 1 saw Vigilante emerge as a fan favorite, offering comedic relief and a unique contrast to Peacemaker's personality. Although not a direct lift from the comics, his entertaining presence is a welcomed addition.

It's somewhat disappointing to see less of Vigilante in the Season 2 trailer. While Cena naturally commands attention, and Jennifer Holland's Emilia Harcourt grapples with rage, Vigilante's role appears minimized. The trailer shows him working at a fast food restaurant, grappling with the lack of recognition for his heroic deeds. Fans hope this isn't indicative of his overall screen time in the season.

The trailer kicks off with a surprising twist: Peacemaker attending an open interview with the Justice League. The scene introduces us to Sean Gunn's Maxwell Lord, Nathan Fillion's Guy Gardner, and Isabela Merced's Hawkgirl, who seem skeptical of Peacemaker's potential.

This sequence offers a deeper look into the Justice League's dynamics, distinct from the brief glimpse in Season 1. The new Justice League exudes a more sarcastic and irreverent vibe, fitting seamlessly into the Peacemaker universe. Gunn draws inspiration from the beloved Justice League International comics, emphasizing a team of quirky misfits rather than the traditional powerhouse heroes.

It's likely that Gunn filmed this scene during the production of Superman, facilitating the inclusion of these characters. While their role in Peacemaker Season 2 may be limited, it's refreshing to see their interactions and personalities, especially Merced's engaging portrayal of Hawkgirl.

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

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

Frank Grillo's Rick Flagg, Sr. emerges as a pivotal figure across the DCU, having appeared in Creature Commandos and set to debut in live-action in Superman. In Peacemaker Season 2, Flagg, Sr. is poised to be the central antagonist, though his motives are rooted in grief over his son's death and his new role as head of ARGUS.

This setup promises a compelling narrative, challenging Peacemaker's redemption arc. Despite his efforts to become a hero, Chris cannot escape his past actions in The Suicide Squad. The tension between Flagg's quest for justice and Peacemaker's journey will be a highlight of the season.

Making Sense of the DCU Timeline

The integration of The Suicide Squad into the DCU timeline is noteworthy. While the DCU aims to start anew, elements from the previous DCEU persist. The Suicide Squad now serves as the unofficial inaugural DCU film, with its influence evident in subsequent projects.

The DCU timeline is taking shape: The Suicide Squad (2021), Peacemaker Season 1 (2022), Creature Commandos (2024), Superman (July 2025), and Peacemaker Season 2 (August 2025). Following this, the DCU will expand with series like Lanterns and films like Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.

Gunn's commitment to retaining elements from The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker Season 1 reflects his dedication to these stories. As he mentioned in an interview with IGN, while canon is important, the essence of storytelling lies in authenticity and passion for the characters and narratives.

By the end of Peacemaker Season 2, the DCU's canon should be clearer. Fans eagerly await the series' return, hoping for more of Vigilante's antics and a deeper exploration of the evolving DCU.