The superhero style goes by some large adjustments proper now, particularly associated to all issues DC. The Studio’s co-CEO, James Gunn, is crafting a model new shared universe, with the primary slate of initiatives titled Gods and Monsters. The primary big-screen journey was Superman, however two in-universe exhibits have been launched for these with an HBO Max subscription: Creature Commandos and the newly launched second season of Peacemaker. The latter’s premiere retconned the Justice League and all the DCEU, however quite than bumming me out, it made me hyped for the long run.
The large occasion got here within the premiere of Peacemaker Season 2. The present started with a “beforehand within the DCU”, the place it was revealed what was and wasn’t canon from the present’s first season. The magic of reshoots noticed the Justice Gang change the Justice League cameo from Peacemaker‘s S1 finale, and we have been all caught up in about 30 seconds of screentime.
The DCEU Retcon Was So Easy, But So Efficient.
When it was introduced {that a} handful of DCEU characters have been staying on for the DCU, followers puzzled how this might work logistically. Significantly with John Cena’s Peacemaker, who had his personal present in addition to an look in The Suicide Squad. However all of our questions have been answered within the snappy “beforehand on” bundle that accompanied Season 2.
Even essentially the most hardcore fan of Peacemaker Season 1 possible wanted a refresher, and this was the right time to slide in some particulars about how the present is now within the DCU. That included dropping within the Justice Gang, plus some exposition about how he particularly knew Nathan Fillion’s Inexperienced Lantern Man Gardner.
This sequence wasn’t solely new data, however we additionally received reminded about Peacemaker’s previous, together with his abusive relationship along with his father and ongoing guilt about killing his brother. However, it was a revelation that Superman and Milly Alcock’s Supergirl are each occasional members of the Justice Gang. And so they all presumably know Viola Davis’ Amanda Waller as effectively. We’ll simply have to attend and see if/when the workforce of heroes takes its correct identify.
James Gunn is a comic book guide superfan who already had my belief and admiration due to his acclaimed work on the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise (streaming with a Disney+ subscription). On high of getting a character-based imaginative and prescient for all the shared universe, I am impressed by how sensible this fast retcon was. Whereas it was executed with care, he moved on shortly and gave the Peacemaker Season 1 premiere the room to face by itself. And I am unable to wait to see what he is received deliberate for the DCU as a complete.
No matter problems include introducing this new shared universe and connecting its initiatives, it is clear that Gunn has each the imaginative and prescient and practicality to get the job executed.
Peacemaker airs new episodes on Thursdays on HBO and HBO Max as a part of the 2025 TV premiere listing. We already appeared in a fast Superman cameo, so this is hoping John Cena will get a meaty position in upcoming DC motion pictures.