DCU Timeline Revealed in Peacemaker Season 2 Trailer

Summer 2025 promises an exhilarating period for DC enthusiasts, with the much-anticipated release of Superman in theaters, marking the live-action debut of James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DCU, followed closely by the return of Peacemaker for its second season. John Cena reprises his role as the peace-obsessed yet violent Christopher Smith, joined by a robust cast from the first season.

The first trailer for Peacemaker Season 2 offers intriguing insights into the plot and its connections to both Season 1 and Gunn’s The Suicide Squad. From new details about the DCU timeline to Rick Flagg's emergence as the "villain," and the noticeable absence of Vigilante, let's delve into the key points from the trailer.

DC Universe: Every Upcoming Movie and TV Show

View 39 ImagesFreddie Stroma’s Vigilante in Peacemaker Season 2

John Cena's portrayal of Christopher Smith, aka Peacemaker, is far from the least interesting aspect of the series. He embodies a fascinating paradox: a man who champions peace while engaging in brutal combat, all wrapped in Gunn's signature blend of humor and heart.

However, Peacemaker thrives as an ensemble piece, much like The Flash on The CW, where the supporting cast is pivotal to the show's success. Among these, Freddie Stroma's Vigilante stands out as the breakout star of Season 1. His comedic chemistry with Cena's Peacemaker, as a clingy yet endearing sidekick, adds a unique flavor to the series, even if it deviates from the comic book source material.

It's somewhat disappointing to see less of Vigilante in the Season 2 trailer. While Cena naturally takes center stage, and Jennifer Holland's Emilia Harcourt grapples with her anger, Vigilante's role seems diminished. We see him working at a fast food joint, grappling with the lack of recognition for his heroic deeds. Hopefully, his reduced presence in the trailer doesn't reflect his overall role in the season.

The trailer kicks off with a surprising twist: 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 are present, and they seem skeptical of Peacemaker from the start.

This scene provides a deeper look into the Justice League's dynamics, distinct from the brief glimpse in Season 1. This new Justice League is more sarcastic and irreverent, fitting perfectly into the Peacemaker universe. Gunn draws inspiration from the beloved Justice League International comics, focusing on a team of quirky misfits rather than the traditional lineup of DC's top heroes.

It's likely that this scene was filmed during the production of Superman, allowing Gunn to efficiently cast these characters. While the Justice League might not play a major role beyond this scene, it's exciting to see the team's dynamic and the humor Isabela Merced brings to Hawkgirl, a refreshing change from previous adaptations.

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 Creature Commandos and set to debut in Superman. Now, he's poised to be the main antagonist in Peacemaker Season 2. While "villain" might be a strong word, Flagg's motivations are rooted in grief over his son's death and his new role as head of ARGUS, giving him both legal and moral authority in his conflict with Peacemaker.

This setup promises 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 justice and Peacemaker's desire to be seen as a hero 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. The Suicide Squad can now be seen as the unofficial start of the DCU, with Peacemaker Season 1 following in 2022, Creature Commandos in 2024, Superman in July 2025, and Peacemaker Season 2 in August 2025.

Gunn is keen on preserving the continuity of his previous work, despite the new direction of the DCU. As he mentioned in an interview with IGN, canon is important but not absolute. The presence of the DCEU Justice League in Season 1 poses a continuity challenge, which Gunn plans to address in Season 2, possibly through multiverse elements.

The trailer hints at a scene where Peacemaker enters his father's dimension and encounters another version of himself, suggesting that the multiverse could be the key to resolving these continuity issues. By the end of Peacemaker Season 2, the DCU's canon should be much clearer, and fans can look forward to the series' return, hoping for more of Vigilante's antics.