DC Studios stepped in at San Diego Comic-Con where Marvel Studios use to dwell: the late Saturday spot in Hall H with the James Gunn co-run Warner Bros comic book label bringing the second season of Peacemaker.
But there was also more reason for glee, for as the panel’s moderator Joshua Horowitz observed: “James this is the first time you’ve been in front of crowd since Superman.” And with that, Hall H erupted in cheer.
The panel kicked off with the new trailer for season 2 which shows John Cena’s Christopher Smith enjoying a new parallel dimension he’s found. It’s just like our, and it’s even better. It’s a place where he can hook up with Jennifer Holland’s Harcourt. Meanwhile, back in the real world, Frank Grillo’s Rick Flag Sr (from Superman) is out to close the portal in his face-off with Peacemaker. Says Leota in the new trailer to Chris, “No matter how great the grass is over there, you belong here with us.”
Said Gunn about season 2’s Smith: “I really like TV shows where the characters don’t just return every season and they’re the same exact characters. I want to see growth. I want to see change and sometimes regression,” Gunn said. “And Peacemaker is a different guy this year. He’s dealing with the demons he uncovered from the first season and trying to deal with them, and the world is not accepting him the way he is. They aren’t accepting him as a hero.”
Gunn’s Superman leads straight into Peacemaker season 2 with that movie’s supporting characters Green Lantern/Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), Hawkgirl/Kendra Saunders (Isabel Merced) and Maxwell Lord (Sean Gunn). That trio, as seen in the first teaser, grill Peacemaker for an interview with the Justice League.
In addition to the trailer show today, Hall H attendees got to see a clip of Harcourt beating up guys in a bar after they try hitting on her with whistles and cat calls. Gunn called it his favorite day on set until they filmed something for Episode 8, which became his new favorite day on set. Holland also teased that she gets to do a Dirty Dancing lift in the opening credits scene.
In the season one finale, John Cena’s Christiopher Smith saves the world from alien butterflies. We also learn that Leota (Danielle Brooks) has a mother, and that’s Amanda Waller (Viola Davis). Season one ends with Chris sitting on his stoop, pondering the complexity of life, next to the ghost of his racist dad, Auggie (Robert Patrick) (it’s inferred that the guy will be hanging around like an acerbic Obi-Wan Kenobi in season 2). Meanwhile, Goff, the butterfly who was possessing Sophie, has been kept alive by Chris. Chris’ father leaves behind a house with an arsenal of weapons and costumes.
Per the logline, the new season follows Christopher “Chris” Smith, aka Peacemaker, the vigilante Super Hero as he struggles to reconcile his past with his newfound sense of purpose while continuing to kick righteous evil-doer butt in his misguided quest for peace at any cost.
Following today’s Peacemaker sesh, there’s a musical performance from season 2 band Foxy Shazam and Steel Panther.
Returning Season 2 cast appearing on stage today included Holland, Freddie Stroma, Steve Agee, new cast members Sol Rodriguez and Tim Meadows, Grillo, and Cena. Danielle Brooks came down with illness, seemingly food poisoning, after going out to dinner with Gunn, who got over it by this morning. Cena took the opportunity to chug water to avoid getting sick. The actor then joked about peeing his suit. Gunn also mentioned that Eagley gets his own Lex Luther in Michael Rooker who plays a world renowned eagle hunter.
Gunn wrote all eight episodes of Peacemaker and directed three, including the first episode. Gunn, Peter Safran, and Cena are EPs. Greg Mottola, Peter Sollett, and Althea Jones also direct. Based on characters from DC, Peacemaker is produced by Gunn’s Troll Court Entertainment and The Safran Company in association with Warner Bros. Television.
Peacemaker happens on Aug. 21. at 9PM ET/PT on HBO Max.
