As James Gunn prepares to launch the reimagined DC Universe (DCU), fans have been eager to learn how the upcoming Peacemaker Season 2 will fit into the new continuity. Gunn has now clarified that nearly everything from Peacemaker Season 1 will remain canon to the DCU — with one notable exception: the Justice League cameo in the Season 1 finale.
Peacemaker debuted in January 2022 as a spin-off to Gunn’s The Suicide Squad (2021). Initially set in the now-concluded DC Extended Universe (DCEU), the series became a fan favorite for its mix of irreverent humor, character depth, and wild action. With Gunn and Peter Safran at the helm of the new DCU, which officially kicks off in 2024 with the animated Creature Commandos, the continuity is undergoing significant changes.
Speaking with Rolling Stone, Gunn confirmed that Peacemaker Season 1 is largely canon in the new DCU timeline, with the exception of the Justice League cameo. “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,” Gunn explained.
What Happened in the Justice League Cameo?
The scene in question occurs during the Peacemaker Season 1 finale, as Christopher Smith (John Cena) and his team fend off an alien invasion by the Butterflies. The Justice League — featuring Jason Momoa’s Aquaman and Ezra Miller’s Flash, alongside silhouetted versions of Superman and Wonder Woman — arrive too late to assist, leading to a comical exchange. Smith angrily chastises the team, and the moment highlights Peacemaker’s irreverent tone.
While the cameo delighted fans, it directly tied Peacemaker to the DCEU’s portrayal of the Justice League. With Gunn’s new DCU recasting major characters like Superman and planning fresh introductions for its flagship heroes, the cameo no longer fits within the reimagined continuity.
How Will the DCU Address the Change?
Gunn has hinted that Peacemaker Season 2, set to premiere on Max in August 2025, will act as a “soft reboot” that aligns the series with the new DCU. While specific details remain under wraps, Gunn reassured fans that the transition will make sense once the new episodes air.
The exclusion of the Justice League cameo also reflects Gunn’s broader vision for the DCU, which seeks to establish a unified and cohesive narrative. The cameo, played largely for laughs, clashes with the tone and purpose of the DCU’s forthcoming portrayals of Superman, Wonder Woman, and other heroes.
What’s Next for Peacemaker?
As Peacemaker transitions into the new DCU, the heart of the show — its humor, character development, and chaotic energy — remains intact. Fans can look forward to more adventures from Smith, Vigilante, Harcourt, and Economos in Season 2. Meanwhile, the Justice League’s exclusion opens the door for a fresh take on DC’s most iconic team, laying the groundwork for future appearances that align with Gunn’s vision.
The reimagined DCU represents a bold new era for fans, and Peacemaker Season 2 is poised to be an essential piece of the puzzle.