HBO Max has released Peacemaker Season 2, bringing back John Cena as the anti-hero Chris Smith. The series follows the events of The Suicide Squad (2021) and the first season of Peacemaker, continuing James Gunn’s colourful and action-packed DC universe on the small screen.
Set one month after Superman (2025), Season 2 follows Peacemaker as he navigates the new DC Universe while confronting the consequences of his past actions. The season opens with Chris auditioning for the Justice Gang, which includes Guy Gardner/Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), and Maxwell Lord (Sean Gunn).
A key plot point this season is the introduction of dimension-hopping technology from Chris’ deceased father, Auggie Smith (Robert Patrick). This leads to an alternate reality where Peacemaker is celebrated as a hero. The storyline explores his moral conflicts, ego, and quest for redemption while maintaining Gunn’s signature humour and violent action sequences.
The season features over-the-top fight scenes and a balance of comedy with darker themes such as toxic masculinity and trauma. New cast members, including Rick Flag Sr. (Frank Grillo), Langston Fleury (Tim Meadows), and Sasha Bordeaux (Sol Rodríguez), bring fresh energy to the show.
Returning characters such as Jennifer Holland’s Emilia Harcourt, Danielle Brooks’ Leota Adebayo, Freddie Stroma’s Vigilante, and Steve Agee’s John Economos continue to play prominent roles.
Some parts of the season slow down, with subplots such as Peacemaker’s pet eagle Eagley feeling less engaging. Certain emotional moments also lack depth. Despite these minor issues, John Cena’s performance remains a highlight, keeping the series entertaining.
Overall, Peacemaker Season 2 is a strong follow-up, offering a mix of humour, action, and drama that is likely to appeal to fans of the first season.
Review by James Crooks for DiscussingFilm.net
