James Gunn recently opened up about the Peacemaker Season 2 finale, which premiered on October 9, and the changes made to its original ending. He discussed the planned conclusion and how DC Studios’ co-CEO Peter Safran influenced the final cut. Gunn also explained what the alternate version would have meant for the characters’ arcs.
Peacemaker Season 2 almost had a happy ending
James Gunn confirmed on Peacemaker: The Official Podcast that the original Season 2 finale draft ended with the “Checkmate” montage. Gunn said, “The first draft ended there,” referencing the sequence where Emilia Harcourt, Leota Adebayo, and the 11th Street Kids reform as Checkmate. He explained that the upbeat and happy ending showed the characters “making the world better,” with Eagly flying freely and Peacemaker reconciled with his team. Gunn said executive producer Peter Safran urged him to extend the episode, creating a darker final cut.
In the discussion, Gunn added, “I told [Safran] what it was, and he goes, ‘Oh, you’ve gotta put that in there.’” The new ending introduces Peacemaker’s abduction and imprisonment on the planet Salvation by Rick Flag Sr., who tells him, “This is for Ricky, you piece of shit.” Gunn confirmed this twist connects to the broader DCU storyline.
The earlier version, according to Gunn, ended with Foxy Shazam playing, Eagly flying, and the team forming Checkmate. Jennifer Holland and Steve Agee said that ending would have given Peacemaker’s story closure. Holland explained that the romantic moment between Harcourt and Peacemaker was meant to show emotional healing. It reflected how both characters moved past guilt and isolation after two difficult seasons.
Gunn concluded by confirming, “Peacemaker will be back… we have plans,” though he did not specify if a third season is in development. It was later reiterated that the character will return in future DCU projects.
