James Gunn experienced a deeply emotional moment during the official Peacemaker podcast when discussing a scene from the Season 2 finale. The scene, drawn from personal experience, moved the writer and director to tears, revealing a heartfelt connection to his late father. The powerful exchange occurs as the “11th Street Kids” confront Chris Smith, also known as Peacemaker, about his departure from the group and struggle with his identity as the so-called “Angel of Death.”
Details of the Season 2 Finale Scene That Prompted Tears
Within the episode, the characters stage an intervention where each one explains their significance to Chris Smith, played by John Cena. The emotional peak comes when Leota Adebayo, portrayed by Danielle Brooks, candidly expresses her feelings toward Peacemaker. This heartfelt dialogue is what triggered Gunn’s intense reaction during the podcast.
“But then she say the thing to me that I find the most touching. And… I’m crying,”
Gunn shared.
“The thing I find the most touching in the episode is when she looks at him and she says, ‘You’re big and your dumb, and you’re stupid. But when I’m around you, I know you love me. And you might be the only person in the world that I can say that about.’”
Gunn’s visible distress grew as he continued describing the connection to his personal life.
“And I’m crying because it’s touching and the way she performs it is touching. I’m also crying because that’s my dad. And… That was the way I felt about him.”
James Gunn’s Personal Connection to the Scene
As Gunn spoke, he removed his glasses and wiped his eyes to regain composure. More profoundly, he reflected on the nature of his father, relating him to the character Peacemaker:
And that’s probably Peacemaker, Gunn said, his voice faltering.
“Goof. You know this buffoonish, imperfect guy, who’s just so generous and so full of love. And I knew my dad loved me. And I’m not sure I was able to say that about anybody else in this world until Jen [Holland] and, you know, recent history. And uh… And that to me is the most touching thing probably ever on the show.”
James F. Gunn, who lived from July 11, 1941, until his passing in 2019 and had a cameo in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, inspired much of the emotional depth in this story. Additionally, the name Leota Adebayo, the character who delivers the touching lines, matches Gunn’s mother’s name, further intertwining his personal history with the narrative.
Schedule for Peacemaker Season 2 Episodes
Peacemaker’s second season officially began airing on HBO Max on Thursday, August 21, 2025. The season includes eight episodes, with new installments releasing every Thursday.
Below is the full episode schedule for Peacemaker Season 2:
- Thursday, August 21, 2025: Season 2, Episode 1
- Thursday, August 28, 2025: Season 2, Episode 2
- Thursday, September 4, 2025: Season 2, Episode 3
- Thursday, September 11, 2025: Season 2, Episode 4
- Thursday, September 18, 2025: Season 2, Episode 5
- Thursday, September 25, 2025: Season 2, Episode 6
- Thursday, October 2, 2025: Season 2, Episode 7
- Thursday, October 9, 2025: Season 2, Episode 8 (Season Finale)
Viewing Options for Peacemaker
Peacemaker is available exclusively on HBO Max. Viewers interested in the evolving story of Chris Smith and the 11th Street Kids can follow the weekly episode drops to stay current with the series.
Podcast Insight: Sons Of A Gunn Explores the DC Universe
Fans seeking an in-depth exploration of DC Studios’ television shows and films, including Peacemaker, can turn to the Sons Of A Gunn podcast. The show provides detailed discussions, periodic news updates about the DC Universe, and thoughtful breakdowns of characters and storylines.
The podcast is accessible on multiple platforms, including Apple, Amazon, Spotify, and RSS feeds. Social media channels like Bluesky, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook also offer opportunities to engage with the show. Supporters may also contribute through Patreon for additional content and exclusive benefits.
