DCU Timeline Revealed: Key Insights from Peacemaker Season 2 Trailer

Summer 2025 promises to be a thrilling period for DC enthusiasts. Following the much-anticipated theatrical release of Superman, which marks the live-action debut of James Gunn and Peter Safran's DCU, fans can look forward to the return of Peacemaker for its second season. John Cena reprises his role as the peace-loving yet gun-toting Christopher Smith, joined by many of the beloved characters from Season 1.

The trailer for Peacemaker Season 2 sheds light on the upcoming plot and its connections to both the first season and Gunn's The Suicide Squad. It introduces new elements of the DCU timeline and the intriguing role of Rick Flagg as the "villain." However, the absence of Freddie Stroma's Vigilante in the trailer has left fans wanting more. Let's delve into the key highlights from the trailer.

DC Universe: Every Upcoming Movie and TV Show

View 39 ImagesFreddie Stroma’s Vigilante in Peacemaker Season 2

Describing John Cena's Christopher Smith as the least interesting character in Peacemaker would be an injustice. He's a fascinating character—a walking paradox who advocates for peace while engaging in violent conflict. His blend of Gunn's signature humor and a hidden heart of gold makes him a compelling figure.

However, Peacemaker is more than just its titular character; it thrives as an ensemble piece. The supporting cast plays a pivotal role in the show's success, much like Team Flash did for The CW's The Flash. Among these characters, Freddie Stroma's Vigilante stands out as a scene-stealer. In Season 1, Vigilante emerged as a fan favorite, serving as a comedic counterpart to Peacemaker—a loyal friend with superhero potential, if not for his own quirks.

While the series may take liberties with the comic book source material, Vigilante's entertainment value is undeniable. It's disappointing to see less of him in the Season 2 trailer, where he appears in the background, working at a fast food restaurant and grappling with the realities of being a hero without recognition. Hopefully, his limited presence in the trailer doesn't reflect his overall role in the season.

The trailer kicks off with a surprising scene: Peacemaker attends an open interview with the Justice League. Characters such as Sean Gunn's Maxwell Lord, Nathan Fillion's Guy Gardner, and Isabela Merced's Hawkgirl are present, already dismissing Peacemaker before he can make his case.

This scene offers a deeper look into the dynamics of the Justice League, which differs significantly from the brief appearance in Season 1. The team is more irreverent and humorous, fitting perfectly within the Peacemaker universe. Gunn draws inspiration from DC's Justice League International comics, emphasizing a team of quirky misfits rather than the traditional big-name heroes.

It's likely that Gunn filmed this scene during the production of Superman, facilitating the inclusion of these characters. While the Justice League might not have a major ongoing role in Peacemaker Season 2, this glimpse into their world is welcome. Isabela Merced's portrayal of Hawkgirl, in particular, promises a more engaging character than previous adaptations, setting the stage for an exciting new Justice League.

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View 9 Images The Return of Frank Grillo’s Rick Flagg, Sr.

Frank Grillo's Rick Flagg, Sr. is becoming a central figure in the DCU. After starring in the Creature Commandos animated series and set to appear in Superman, Flagg now takes on a significant role in Peacemaker Season 2 as the main antagonist.

Labeling Flagg a "villain" might be an oversimplification, given his motivations. He's a father seeking justice for his son's murder and the new head of ARGUS, giving him both the authority and moral justification to confront Peacemaker. This sets the stage for a compelling narrative, as Peacemaker grapples with his past actions in The Suicide Squad and his quest for redemption. The tension between Flagg's quest for revenge and Peacemaker's desire to prove himself as a hero will be a highlight of the season.

Making Sense of the DCU Timeline

Peacemaker Season 2 builds directly on the events of The Suicide Squad, highlighting Gunn's approach to continuity. Despite the DCU's fresh start, elements from the previous DCEU remain. The Suicide Squad can now be seen as the unofficial first DCU movie, given its extensive references in the new universe.

A clear DCU timeline is emerging: The Suicide Squad (2021), Peacemaker Season 1 (2022), Creature Commandos (2024), Superman (July 2025), Peacemaker Season 2 (August 2025), and beyond with projects like Lanterns and Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. Gunn's decision to retain elements from his previous work reflects his commitment to these stories and characters.

As Gunn told IGN, canon is secondary to the authenticity and truth of the stories. Despite the complexities introduced by the DCEU Justice League cameo in Season 1, Gunn plans to address these continuity issues in Season 2. The introduction of the multiverse offers endless possibilities for resolving these narrative threads.

By the end of Peacemaker Season 2, the distinction between what's canon and what isn't in the DCU should become clearer. Fans eagerly await the series' return, hoping for more of Vigilante and a satisfying resolution to the evolving DCU narrative.