"DCU Timeline Revealed in Peacemaker Season 2 Trailer"

Summer 2025 is shaping up to be a thrilling period for fans of the DC Universe. Hot on the heels of the much-anticipated release of Superman, which marks the live-action debut of James Gunn and Peter Safran's DCU, fans will be treated to the second season of Peacemaker. John Cena reprises his role as the complex character Christopher Smith, known for his love of peace and his penchant for firearms, and he's joined by many of the beloved cast members from Season 1.

The first trailer for Peacemaker Season 2 provides intriguing glimpses 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 antagonistic role to the noticeable absence of Vigilante, there's a lot to unpack from this exciting trailer.

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View 39 ImagesFreddie Stroma’s Vigilante in Peacemaker Season 2

It would be an understatement to call John Cena's Christopher Smith the least interesting character in Peacemaker. He's a fascinating blend of contradictions—advocating for peace while engaging in violent conflict—and embodies the quirky, heartfelt characters James Gunn is known for crafting. Yet, despite the focus on its titular character, Peacemaker thrives as an ensemble show, much like The CW's The Flash, which relied heavily on its Team Flash dynamics. Among the supporting cast, Freddie Stroma's Vigilante stands out as a scene-stealer.

Vigilante, portrayed by Stroma, was the breakout star of Season 1, serving as a humorous counterpart to Peacemaker. His clingy friendship and awkward superhero aspirations made him a fan favorite, despite deviating from the comic book source. It's somewhat disappointing, then, to see less of him in the Season 2 trailer. While John Cena naturally takes center stage, and Jennifer Holland's Emilia Harcourt deals with her own issues, Vigilante seems relegated to the background, working at a fast food joint and grappling with the lack of recognition for his heroics. Hopefully, his role will be more substantial in the full season.

The trailer kicks off with a surprising twist as Peacemaker attends an open interview with the Justice League. Notable members like Sean Gunn's Maxwell Lord, Nathan Fillion's Guy Gardner, and Isabela Merced's Hawkgirl are present, and they quickly dismiss Peacemaker's aspirations. This scene provides a deeper look into the Justice League's group dynamic, which is starkly different from the one seen in Season 1, aligning more closely with the tone of Peacemaker.

James Gunn's inspiration from DC's Justice League International comics is evident in this new iteration of the team. With Maxwell Lord as the leader and financier, and a focus on a more eclectic group of characters, the DCU Justice League feels fresh and engaging. It's likely this scene was filmed during the production of Superman, allowing for the inclusion of key cast members. While the Justice League might not play a major role in Season 2 beyond this interview, it's a delightful glimpse into their world, particularly with Merced's lively portrayal of Hawkgirl.

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

Frank Grillo's Rick Flagg, Sr. continues to be a pivotal figure in the DCU, having appeared in the Creature Commandos animated series and set to debut in live-action in Superman. In Peacemaker Season 2, Flagg, Sr. emerges as the primary antagonist, driven by the loss of his son and his new role as head of ARGUS. This setup promises a compelling conflict, as Peacemaker must confront his past actions from The Suicide Squad and navigate his path to redemption amidst Flagg's justified vendetta.

Making Sense of the DCU Timeline

Peacemaker Season 2 builds directly on the events of The Suicide Squad, indicating that some elements of the previous DCEU are being integrated into the new DCU. The Suicide Squad can be seen as the unofficial start of the DCU, followed by Peacemaker Season 1, Creature Commandos, Superman, and then Peacemaker Season 2. This timeline is set to expand further with upcoming projects like Lanterns and Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.

James Gunn has expressed a desire to retain the continuity of his previous work, despite the new direction of the DCU. In a recent interview with IGN, Gunn emphasized that while canon is important, the stories and characters are what truly matter. He acknowledged the challenge of the DCEU Justice League's cameo in Peacemaker Season 1 and hinted at resolving this in Season 2, possibly through multiverse elements.

By the conclusion of Peacemaker Season 2, the distinction between what is and isn't canon in the DCU should be much clearer. Fans are eagerly awaiting the return of the series, hoping for a significant role for Vigilante. As the DCU continues to evolve, it's an exciting time to be a fan, with a wealth of new content on the horizon.