The new trailer reveals that John Cena's Christopher Smith, aka Peacemaker, has retreated to a parallel dimension that looks remarkably like our world—only better. There, he even appears to be in a relationship with Jennifer Holland's Harcourt.
Meanwhile, Rick Flag Sr., played by Frank Grillo (seen in Superman), is determined to close the gate between the dimensions and faces Peacemaker. In the trailer, Leota (Danielle Brooks) insists that Chris return: "No matter how green the grass is over there, you belong here with us."
James Gunn said that we'll see a different Peacemaker in season two. "He's not the same as last season. He's trying to face his traumas and deal with the consequences, but the world still doesn't accept him as a hero." Gunn emphasized his love for characters who grow or regress, rather than stagnate. The second season picks up directly after the events of Superman and welcomes back several of the characters from that film—Green Lantern/Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), Hawkgirl/Kendra Saunders (Isabela Merced), and Maxwell Lord (Sean Gunn)—who interrogate Peacemaker on behalf of the Justice League.
Along with the trailer, fans got an exclusive clip of Harcourt beating up a group of men in a bar after they approached her in a sexist manner. Gunn called this his favorite day of filming… until a scene from episode 8 surpassed that. Holland also dropped a hint: she does a Dirty Dancing lift in the opening scene.
The first season ended with Peacemaker saving Earth from alien butterflies and reflecting on his actions, seated next to the ghost of his racist father, Auggie (Robert Patrick). Auggie seems to be returning in season two as a sort of sarcastic Obi-Wan Kenobi. We also see Chris still caring for the last remaining "butterfly," Goff, and having access to a house full of weapons and costumes.
The official description for season two reads: "The new season follows Christopher 'Chris' Smith, aka Peacemaker, as he struggles to reconcile his past with his newfound purpose while remaining determined to defeat evil in his misguided quest for peace at any cost."
Cast members Jennifer Holland, Freddie Stroma, Steve Agee, Frank Grillo, Sol Rodríguez, Tim Meadows, and John Cena appeared during the panel discussion. Danielle Brooks was absent due to food poisoning after a dinner with Gunn. Cena, worried about contracting the same illness, drank a lot of water onstage and joked about having to pee in his superhero suit.
Gunn wrote all eight episodes and directed three, including the first. Season two of Peacemaker (2022) premieres on HBO Max on Thursday, August 21.
Watch the trailer for Peacemaker (2022) season two below.
