James Gunn has taken center stage with the highly anticipated release of the first trailer for Peacemaker Season 2, which debuted on Friday through Max. The announcement comes with confirmation that the Emmy-nominated series, helmed by the respected DC Studios boss and Superman filmmaker, will premiere on August 21. With an expanded cast, new surprises, and fresh creative direction, Gunn’s involvement signals a bold new chapter for the fan-favorite show, positioning it for potential Emmy consideration in 2026.
Season 2 resumes the journey of Christopher “Chris” Smith, known as Peacemaker and portrayed by John Cena, as he grapples with reconciling his checkered past while forging a new sense of purpose. According to details revealed alongside the trailer, Peacemaker continues his quest for peace at any price, balancing his complex ideals with ongoing action and conflict. The trailer teases an intense blend of personal struggle and high-stakes adventure, maintaining the signature tone that made the first season a standout.
James Gunn’s influence is unmistakable throughout the new season. He took on the writing for all eight episodes and directed three, including the season opener. Other notable directors for Season 2 include Greg Mottola, Peter Sollett, and Althea Jones, showcasing a blend of creative talents working under Gunn’s vision.
Gunn said, praising the involvement of Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr.
Returning cast members include Danielle Brooks, Jennifer Holland, Freddie Stroma, Steve Agee, and Robert Patrick, each reprising their roles from Season 1. The trailer also unveils new cast members Frank Grillo, David Denman, Sol Rodriguez, and Tim Meadows, expanding the show’s roster and setting the stage for dynamic storylines. Notably, Isabela Merced and Nathan Fillion step into the roles of Hawkgirl and Guy Gardner, both significant figures in the DC universe, with their appearances in Peacemaker building excitement for James Gunn’s upcoming Superman film.
Cena’s portrayal of Peacemaker initially debuted in Gunn’s The Suicide Squad, which introduced key characters including Viola Davis’s Amanda Waller. Within the show, Brooks plays Waller’s daughter, while Davis herself made a brief appearance in the first season. The return of Rick Flag’s legacy is further explored as Frank Grillo takes on the role of Rick Flag Sr., a character who not only appears in Peacemaker but also in the upcoming Superman film and the animated series Creature Commandos.
James Gunn has provided additional insight into Grillo’s character, emphasizing the complexity at the heart of his role.
Gunn explained.
The trailer sets up the new season’s tone by featuring Peacemaker before a tribunal of familiar DC faces, including Hawkgirl, Guy Gardner, and Maxwell Lord. These roles are played by Isabela Merced, Nathan Fillion, and Sean Gunn, respectively. All three will also appear in James Gunn’s forthcoming Superman reboot, reinforcing the interconnectedness of Gunn’s DC projects.
With the first episode scheduled to launch on Max on August 21, anticipation is building for what James Gunn is bringing to Peacemaker’s second season. The impact of his creative leadership is expected to shape both the character development and overarching storylines, offering fresh perspectives and connections to the broader DC universe. As fans and industry observers look forward to the premiere, Gunn’s distinctive storytelling and the expanded cast promise a thrilling continuation that could have lasting effects on the DC franchise moving forward.
