James Gunn unveiled an audacious name for the Peacemaker trilogy during his appearance at CCXP Mexico City, demonstrating his signature irreverence and shaping expectations for fans. The announcement, which instantly prompted widespread amusement both in-person and online, highlights Gunn’s strategy as he develops the DC Universe with a focus on Christopher Smith’s unique arc—ensuring that the trilogy’s identity is unmistakable and that the focus keyword, James Gunn unveils Peacemaker trilogy title at CCXP, sets the tone.
A New Narrative Arc for Peacemaker Emerges
During the recent fan convention, James Gunn, co-leader of DC Studios, presented the trilogy title meant to capture both the spirit of the character and the story’s sometimes absurd flavor. Gunn’s creative partnership with Peter Safran is steering the long-term vision of the DC Universe, with Peacemaker, played by John Cena, now more central to the cross-media continuity that includes Creature Commandos and the imminent Superman film.
Alongside his close involvement with Peacemaker’s debut in The Suicide Squad, Gunn’s new trilogy encompasses the ongoing Max series and its highly anticipated second season. This reveals the deliberate effort to transform Christopher Smith—a relentless anti-hero and running gag within the wider DCU—into a focal point for emotional and narrative complexity.
At the event, Gunn declared:
Oh, it’s part of the Tighty Whities Trilogy,
—James Gunn, Co-Head of DC Studios. Adding to the announcement, he clarified:
We have The Suicide Squad, we got Season 1, we got Season 2.
—James Gunn, Co-Head of DC Studios. These comments encapsulate his tongue-in-cheek approach and align with the public’s perception of Peacemaker’s oddball, often-mocked underwear preference—now immortalized in the trilogy’s title, transforming a simple visual gag into a symbol of the anti-hero’s bizarre appeal.
The “Tighty Whities Trilogy”: Structure and Significance
With this trilogy concept, Gunn signals that The Suicide Squad, the first and second seasons of Peacemaker, together form a continuous storyline. This trio outlines the transformation of Christopher Smith from a ruthless government operative to a more internally conflicted figure—a journey that both honors his comic roots and charts new ground in film and series formats. The current and future installments serve to further Peacemaker’s story while integrating him deeper into DC canon, cementing his place in narratives shared with other evolving protagonists like Superman.
Even though certain installments—such as Season 1 and The Suicide Squad—are described as “soft canon” within the newly minted DC Universe, James Gunn’s narrative approach ensures key elements of Peacemaker’s progression remain intact. This coherent development is vital, as the franchise aims to merge fresh storytelling with established character growth, particularly as Smith interacts with prominent figures including Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) and aligns against new threats.
Season Two: Timeline, Characters, and Plot Developments
The upcoming second season of Peacemaker will advance Christopher Smith’s journey, beginning several years after the chaotic events of Season 1. Gunn deliberately structured this time jump to allow for broader universe-wide responses, most notably Leota Adebayo’s (Danielle Brooks) exposure of Project Butterfly and Amanda Waller’s hidden operations. These repercussions already affect linked properties like Creature Commandos, reflecting James Gunn’s Marvel experience—specifically, his use of a flexible timeline to avoid canon conflicts and give new stories room to breathe organically.
Season 2 sees the return of John Cena as Peacemaker, accompanied by the full “11th Street Kids” ensemble: Danielle Brooks as Leota Adebayo, Freddie Stroma as Vigilante, Jennifer Holland as Emilia Harcourt, and Steve Agee portraying John Economos. Nhut Le will once again portray Judomaster, though details of his storyline following the fall of the Butterflies remain undisclosed. Robert Patrick reprises his role as Auggie Smith, Peacemaker’s abusive father, despite his character’s on-screen demise—a twist enabled by an alternate-reality mechanism featuring a version of Peacemaker equipped with a jetpack, a living brother Keith, and a different White Dragon in blue armor.
Season 2 also introduces new adversaries and expands the ensemble. Frank Grillo joins as Rick Flag Sr., seeking retribution for the death of his son Rick Flag Jr. (played previously by Joel Kinnaman) at the hands of Peacemaker in The Suicide Squad. In this installment, Flag Sr. assumes leadership of ARGUS, dedicated to hunting down Christopher Smith, heightening the season’s stakes and emotional tension. Michael Rooker enters as Red St. Wild, the “world’s foremost eagle hunter,” who emerges as a direct antagonist to Eagly, Peacemaker’s inseparable companion.
This season is set to premiere on HBO Max, with viewers anticipating the continuation of Peacemaker’s strange, intense odyssey and the resolution promised in the trilogy’s final act.
Anticipation for the Finale and the Future of the DC Universe
The announcement of the “Tighty Whities Trilogy” not only adds comedic value but also unites the cinematic and television arcs into one irreverent, emotionally charged legacy for Christopher Smith. Many fans are eager to see the full impact of the revelations from the first season ripple across the DC Universe and how returning and new characters will shape Smith’s fate as both anti-hero and symbol.
James Gunn’s blend of humor, meta-commentary, and deep-seated emotional conflict ensures that every character—whether Amanda Waller, Auggie Smith, or Eagly—serves a role in developing the overarching themes of redemption, vengeance, and self-identity. As the next chapter premieres on August 21st, all eyes are on how these elements will converge, and whether Peacemaker can emerge not only as a compelling satire but as a cornerstone of the updated DC canon.
For those following James Gunn unveils Peacemaker trilogy title at CCXP, the anticipation is a testament to the enduring appeal of complex anti-heroes, and the bold steps the DC Universe is taking under new creative leadership.
