DCU Timeline Clarified in Peacemaker Season 2 Trailer: Key Takeaways

Summer 2025 promises to be an electrifying period for DC enthusiasts, with the much-anticipated release of "Superman" heralding the live-action debut of James Gunn and Peter Safran's DCU, followed closely by the return of "Peacemaker" for its second season. John Cena reprises his role as the peace-obsessed, gun-wielding Christopher Smith, and fans will be thrilled to see many familiar faces from Season 1 returning.

The first trailer for Peacemaker Season 2 offers tantalizing glimpses into the upcoming plot, illustrating how this season ties back to both the first season and Gunn's "The Suicide Squad." From new revelations about the DCU timeline to Rick Flagg's role as a "villain" and the conspicuous absence of Vigilante, let's dive into the key points from the trailer.

DC Universe: Every Upcoming Movie and TV Show

View 39 ImagesFreddie Stroma’s Vigilante in Peacemaker Season 2

Calling Christopher Smith the least interesting character in "Peacemaker" would be an injustice. Cena's portrayal of the character is compelling, embodying a man who preaches peace yet wages a bloody war, all while maintaining a humorous and somewhat endearing persona.

However, "Peacemaker" is more than just its titular character; it thrives on its ensemble cast. Much like "The Flash" on The CW, the success of "Peacemaker" hinges on its supporting characters. Among these, Freddie Stroma's Vigilante truly shines. A breakout star from Season 1, Vigilante provided comic relief and a unique contrast to Peacemaker's character. Though the show's take on Vigilante diverges from the comics, his entertainment value is undeniable.

It's somewhat disappointing, then, to see Vigilante take a backseat in the Season 2 trailer. While Cena and Jennifer Holland's Emilia Harcourt, grappling with her rage, take center stage, Vigilante appears less frequently. We see him working at a fast food joint, grappling with the realization that saving the world doesn't always bring fame. Fans are eager to see more of Stroma's character, and we hope the trailer doesn't reflect his reduced role in the season.

The trailer kicks off with a surprising twist: Peacemaker attending 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 it's clear they're skeptical of Peacemaker from the start.

This scene offers a deeper look at the Justice League's dynamics than what we saw in the "Superman" trailer. This iteration of the team is far from the more serious DCEU Justice League; they're more sarcastic and irreverent, fitting well within the "Peacemaker" universe.

Gunn draws heavily from the beloved Justice League International comics for his take on the team. Maxwell Lord leads and finances the group, focusing on a more eclectic mix of heroes who benefit from the legitimacy the Justice League offers.

Filming this scene during "Superman" production allowed Gunn to bring Gunn, Fillion, and Merced together, though the Justice League's role in "Peacemaker" Season 2 is likely limited to this cameo. Nonetheless, it's exciting to see the team's dynamic and the humor Merced brings to Hawkgirl, a refreshing change from previous adaptations.

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 Rick Flagg, Sr. continues to be a linchpin in the DCU, having featured prominently in "Creature Commandos" and set to debut in live-action in "Superman." Now, he's poised to play a significant role in "Peacemaker" Season 2.

Flagg appears to be the season's main antagonist, though "villain" might be too strong a word given his motivations. As a father seeking justice for his murdered son and the new head of ARGUS, Flagg has both legal authority and moral justification in his conflict with Peacemaker.

This sets up an intriguing narrative arc. Despite Peacemaker's efforts to redeem himself and become a hero, he can't escape his past actions in "The Suicide Squad." His redemption journey will be tested, and viewers may find themselves torn between rooting for Flagg's revenge and Team Peacemaker's survival.

Making Sense of the DCU Timeline

The inclusion of Rick Flagg highlights how "Peacemaker" Season 2 directly builds on "The Suicide Squad." While the DCU aims to start anew, elements from the DCEU persist, with "The Suicide Squad" effectively serving as the unofficial first DCU movie.

The timeline is becoming clearer: "The Suicide Squad" (2021), "Peacemaker" Season 1 (2022), "Creature Commandos" (2024), "Superman" (July 2025), and "Peacemaker" Season 2 (August 2025). After this, the DCU will expand rapidly with projects like "Lanterns" and "Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow."

Gunn is keen to retain the groundwork laid in "The Suicide Squad" and "Peacemaker" Season 1, despite Warner Bros.' efforts to draw a line between the old and new universes. As Gunn told IGN, "canon only matters so much," emphasizing the importance of storytelling over strict continuity.

However, Gunn must address the DCEU Justice League's cameo in "Peacemaker" Season 1. He hinted at resolving this in Season 2, possibly involving the multiverse and a scene where Peacemaker encounters an alternate version of himself.

Despite the Justice League cameo, little prevents Gunn from integrating "The Suicide Squad" and "Peacemaker" Season 1 into the DCU. This continuity allows for characters like Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn, John Cena's Peacemaker, and Viola Davis' Amanda Waller to continue their arcs without recasting.

By the time "Peacemaker" Season 2 concludes, the DCU's canon should be much clearer. Fans eagerly await its return, hoping for more of Vigilante and an engaging continuation of the DCU's evolving narrative.