When Superman released in theaters in July, officially launched the new DC universe under the leadership of James Gunn AND Pietro Safran. But as Gunn revealed this week, the real turning point for the DCU actually came from Peacemaker Season 2 finale.
The finale not only closed out Chris Smith’s story arc, but introduced two major elements that will shape the entire DCU moving forward, including the secret agency Checkmate and the metahuman prison world known as Salvation.
Both concepts come directly from the comics and both will feature prominently in upcoming DCU projects.
“It might not seem like it at first, but it’s all very connected,” Gunn explained during a virtual press conference.
Checkmate: Born from the 11th Street Kids
At the end of Peacemaker Season 2, Chris’ friends rally to save him not from a villain, but from his own desperation. In the process, they break away from the authorities and decide to forge their own path.
Using Vigilante’s stash of “blood money”, they form Checkmate, a crime-fighting agency that includes Judomasters and disillusioned ARGUS agents played by Tim Prati AND Sol Rodriguez.
Gunn said he had long wanted to introduce Checkmate into live-action:
“This has always been instrumental in the overall story that I tell in the DCU. I had outlined what I thought was the overall story, and two important aspects were Checkmate and especially Salvation.”
For Gunn, the new agency represents growth for the misfit heroes.
“It’s the true culmination of the 11th Street Kids and their desire to be good. I think they’re going to be really, really good at what they do. When we next see them, their circumstances are going to be a little different than the startup they’re in now.”
Salvation: the prison world
Meanwhile, ARGUS, led by Rick Flag Sr. (Franco Grillo), locates a parallel Earth suitable for something much darker. Flag dubs it Salvation, a prison planet designed to house metahumans too dangerous for Earth.
Gunn was attracted to the idea but hinted that his version won’t be a direct copy of the Salvation Run comic book plot.
“I like the idea of creating this prison from which it was absolutely inescapable, but it was also a little reckless. Because they think she’s not dangerous from the initial tests. But in the comics and in this world, obviously there are hints that she is dangerous.”
The season ends with a big cliffhanger where Peacemaker is kidnapped by Flag Sr. and dumped in Salvation, revenge for killing Rick Flag Jr.
Will there be a third season?
If you liked the series and how it got to the end, fans shouldn’t expect that Peacemaker Season 3 anytime soon. Gunn has made it clear that this story will be woven into other DCU projects.
“It’s about the other stories where this [cliffhanger] will play. Never say never. But right now it’s about the future of the DCU.”
Let it be dinner Peacemaker shows up inside Supergirl (2026) or The man of tomorrow (2028), Gunn doesn’t say. But he confirmed that the character remains central to his vision:
“It’s really important to me. I really love the character. Chris is just incredibly human.”
Gunn’s DCU vision moves forward
Gunn has always said he wants to turn lesser-known characters into “diamond properties” who can stand alongside Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman. Peacemaker is his proof of concept.
He also sees the DCU as an opportunity to tell human, emotional stories through fantasy worlds.
“We live in this world where everyone thinks the best way to deal with people who think differently than us is to treat them like demons.
“What a stupid idea. You want to change the world? You want the world to be a better place? You don’t do that by telling someone they’re evil. That’s just not the way you do it.”
Looking ahead, Gunn will outsource creative duties to others for projects such as Lanterns, Supergirl, Clay faceAND Batman 2. But when it comes to Salvation, Superman, Lex Luthor and Rick Flag Sr., Gunn said those stories remain firmly in his hands.
“That’s the plan for now, at least. I might be so damn tired that I can’t do it, because I’m pretty tired, but we’ll see!”
What do you think of all this?
by Joey Paur
Source: Geek Tyrant
Lloyd Grunewald is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. He is a talented writer who focuses on bringing the latest entertainment-related news to his readers. With a deep understanding of the entertainment industry and a passion for writing, Lloyd delivers engaging articles that keep his readers informed and entertained.
