Not Enough Vigilante, The DCU Timeline Takes Shape, and More Big Takeaways From the Peacemaker Season 2 Trailer

Summer 2025 promises an exhilarating time for fans of the DC Universe, with the cinematic release of Superman marking the live-action debut of James Gunn and Peter Safran's DCU, closely followed by the highly anticipated second season of Peacemaker. John Cena reprises his role as the complex character Christopher Smith, bringing back much of the beloved Season 1 cast to further explore his journey of peace and chaos.

The first trailer for Peacemaker Season 2 offers a glimpse into the upcoming plot, connecting it to both the first season and Gunn's The Suicide Squad. From new insights into the DCU timeline and Rick Flagg's role as a "villain" to the noticeable absence of Vigilante, let's delve into the key elements highlighted in the trailer.

DC Universe: Every Upcoming Movie and TV Show

View 39 ImagesFreddie Stroma’s Vigilante in Peacemaker Season 2

While John Cena's portrayal of Christopher Smith, the gun-toting advocate for peace, is undeniably captivating, Peacemaker thrives as an ensemble piece. The supporting cast plays a pivotal role in the show's success, much like Team Flash in The CW's series. Among these characters, Freddie Stroma's Vigilante emerges as a standout, stealing scenes with his unique blend of humor and pathos.

Vigilante, a breakout star from Season 1, provided a comedic counterpoint to Peacemaker, embodying the quintessential sidekick who aspires to heroism yet grapples with personal shortcomings. Though the series takes creative liberties with the comic book character, his entertaining presence is undeniable.

The trailer, however, shows less of Stroma's character than fans might hope, focusing more on Cena and Jennifer Holland's Emilia Harcourt, who seems to be wrestling with her own issues. Vigilante is seen working at a fast food restaurant, confronting the harsh reality that world-saving doesn't guarantee fame. While his background presence in the trailer is disappointing, we hope this doesn't reflect his overall role in the season.

The trailer kicks off with an unexpected scene: Peacemaker attending an open interview with the Justice League. Characters like Sean Gunn’s Maxwell Lord, Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner, and Isabela Merced’s Hawkgirl make appearances, seemingly dismissive of Peacemaker before he can even make his case.

This scene offers a deeper look into the dynamics of the DCU's Justice League, presenting a more irreverent and humorous group than the one seen in Season 1. Gunn appears to be inspired by DC's Justice League International comics, focusing on a team of quirky, unconventional heroes rather than the traditional lineup.

The filming of this scene likely coincided with the production of Superman, allowing for the seamless integration of these characters. While the Justice League may not play a major role in Peacemaker Season 2 beyond this scene, it's exciting to see the team's dynamic and the fresh take on Hawkgirl, especially after less successful portrayals in other DC media.

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. is becoming a central 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 is positioned as the main antagonist, though his motivations stem from the tragic loss of his son 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, Christopher Smith 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

Peacemaker Season 2 directly builds on The Suicide Squad, indicating that some elements of the previous DCEU are being retained in the new DCU. The Suicide Squad can be seen as the unofficial start of the DCU timeline, followed by Peacemaker Season 1, Creature Commandos, Superman, and then Peacemaker Season 2.

James Gunn has expressed a desire to preserve 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 focus should be on the authenticity and truth of the stories and characters.

Gunn also acknowledged the challenge posed by the DCEU Justice League's cameo in Peacemaker Season 1, hinting that Season 2 will address this continuity issue. The trailer suggests that the multiverse might play a role in resolving these discrepancies, particularly through a scene where Peacemaker encounters an alternate version of himself.

By the end of Peacemaker Season 2, the DCU's canon should be clearer, allowing fans to better understand the new universe's framework. We eagerly await the return of the series, hoping for more of Vigilante's antics along the way.