Well, it’s official: the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) is now dead and buried, tossed aside like a weekly comic book that went bankrupt, and the readers lost interest.
The soft transition from the “Snyderverse” was addressed and smoothed over in the first opening seconds of the John Cena-led DC Studios series “Peacemaker,” which officially returned for a sophomore season.
The first episode started a bit slow, then picked up momentum, and honestly didn’t miss a beat. Director and co-CEO James Gunn feels at home, and Cena is going all out; he may even be talking about an Emmy nomination.
Before diving back into another round of “Peacemaker,” it should be noted that the structure and identity of the DC Comics live-action brand—perhaps “roadmap” and “vision” are better terms—have been on an upward incline. One of the reasons is the lovable, adrenaline-filled rocket that is “Superman,” full of golden- and silver-age splendor, which left audiences with a glimmer of hope as the future of the DCU is being course-corrected.
Gunn has gathered a plethora of talented writers and directors, who, instead of conforming to a singular serialized narrative, now explore director-driven projects that branch out with various tones and identities. The invitation to join is being sent out as Gunn moves the pieces across the board.
Following “Creature Commandos” and “Superman,” next up is the second season of “Peacemaker,” which is tonally different and a bit more composed than its predecessor. The premiere relishes the vulnerability shared among characters dealing with the consequences of their actions.
Chris Smith, aka Peacemaker (Cena), carries the episode through moments of subtle yearning, as his imposter syndrome and blood-soaked conscience linger, and he searches for relief from emptiness through misguided flashes of happiness. Gunn’s pathos is on full display.
Once again, let’s be clear: this series is extremely mature and not for kids. A particularly eye-opening adult segment, unmistakably Gunn-coded, lands perfectly to illustrate the spiraling descent into depression while your world withers and you give in to your vices.
The continuation of this corner of the DCU deserves praise. Gunn maintains a sense of world-building while preserving the ethos of ordinary people living among gods. Smith struggles to adapt after season 1; the crown of “saving the world” is gone, and the challenge of finding purpose is setting in.
He returns to his childhood home, grapples with his father’s death, and faces the constant shadow of mortality. Cena continues to excel, blending charisma, outlandish confessions, and moments of deep vulnerability, while navigating his complicated relationship with Harcourt (Jennifer Holland) and the tantalizing idea of a “perfect world.”
Other core characters are equally caught in self-imposed agony. Harcourt and Leota Adebayo (Danielle Brooks) are blacklisted after the season 1 events involving Amanda Waller. One remains loyal to Smith, the other wrestles with emotional detachment.
Brooks delivers a masterful performance, providing empathy while burying her shame, complemented by Holland’s increasingly physical, stunt-heavy work—particularly in the big bar scene.
Even John Economos (Steve Agee) is relegated to surveillance duty, stuck and torn as his friends struggle, but he finds a mini-arc tied to his boss, newcomer Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr., teasing a personal vendetta that will eventually circle back to Smith. Grillo’s gruff, smartass boss persona keeps both comic fans and casual viewers engaged.
Adrian Chase, aka Vigilante (Freddie Stroma), enjoys the fleeting glory of being a hero but returns to a smaller, quieter life, still offering empathy for Smith. The dynamic hints at growth for both characters.
Gunn’s dialogue exposes Smith’s armor, while Cena’s eyes convey raw emotion, culminating in a leap of faith into the unknown. The “Quantum Unfolding Chamber,” a hub of interdimensional doors left from season 1, offers a visually stunning centerpiece that is chaotic, thrilling, and full of possibility.
Beyond that, the premiere introduces David Denman’s mystery character and plants the question of “is the grass greener?”—best experienced firsthand. It’s pure emotion and a chaotic ride, loaded with easter eggs, yet surprisingly grounded in character.
In short, “Peacemaker” returns with a vulnerable, mature, and character-driven episode, portraying a cast navigating a wasteland of broken desires. If the premiere sets the tone, the next seven weeks promise a wild ride. Once again, Gunn doesn’t jam.
“Peacemaker” 2×01 gets four stars.
All about Peacemaker Season 2
The synopsis for the second season logline reads as “The new season follows Christopher ‘Chris’ Smith, aka Peacemaker, the vigilante Super Hero as he struggles to reconcile his past with his newfound sense of purpose while continuing to kick righteous evil-doer butt in his misguided quest for peace at any cost.”
Returning and rounding out the Season 2 cast include Danielle Brooks/Leota Adebayo, Jennifer Holland/Agent Emilia Harcourt, Freddie Stroma/Adrian Chase aka The Vigilante, Steve Agee/ John Economos, and Robert Patrick/Auggie Smith/White Dragon. Joining the cast are Frank Grillo/Rick Flag Sr., David Denman, Sol Rodriguez/Sasha Bordeaux, and Tim Meadows/Langston Fleury.
Gunn wrote all eight episodes of Peacemaker and directed three, including the first episode. Gunn, Peter Safran, and John Cena serve as executive producers. Greg Mottola, Peter Sollett, and Althea Jones also direct. Based on characters from DC, Peacemaker is produced by Gunn’s Troll Court Entertainment and The Safran Company in association with Warner Bros. Television.
The first episode of season 2 is now streaming. In the meantime, the complete first season of ‘Peacemaker’ can be viewed and streamed via HBO MAX.
