Peacemaker Season 2’s Orgy Scene Shows How DCU Differs From MCU

In an interview with Rainn Wilson, James Gunn warned parents that Peacemaker Season 2 was “definitely not for children.” The season premiere proved this, with an unexpected orgy sequence that seemed more appropriate to The Boys than the DC Universe. And yet, this sequence firmly establishes a deep divide between the tone of the DC Universe and Marvel Cinematic Universe. It also confirmed earlier statements Gunn had made regarding his grand plan for the DCU.

The Season 2 premiere of Peacemaker finds Christopher Smith (John Cena) struggling to move on after the events of the first season. He and his allies in the 11th Street Kids saved the world, but it hasn’t given them fame, fortune, or respect. Indeed, it’s largely wrecked their lives, leaving them unemployed and their relationships ruined.

This realization, coupled with his rejection when applying for Justice Gang membership, further heightens Christopher’s depression. He falls back into his old habits of seeking peace through casual sex and drug use. After snorting a powder labeled “For A Rainy Day,” Peacemaker is suddenly surrounded by people engaging in group sex. This is presumed to be a drug-fueled fantasy, until the orgy is observed by John Economos (Steve Agee), who is monitoring Christopher for ARGUS.

The sequence is decidedly mature in both meanings of the word. The sexual content is clearly aimed at older audiences. However, the themes of ennui and how the people who risk their lives to help others are often broken in the process go far beyond the usual shallow characterization of traditional superhero stories. Comparison can be made to Deadpool & Wolverine, which also explored these themes alongside crude, R-rated humor. That film was the exception, however, and not typical of Marvel Studios‘ content.

Peacemaker proof of James Gunn’s DCU plan

When setting up the new shared setting for DC Comics, Gunn wished to make it accessible to all audiences. However, this went beyond creating entertainment aimed at all age groups. He also wanted movies and television series covering a variety of genres beyond simple superheroics. Peacemaker is a prime example of this, being more comedic in tone than Gunn’s Superman movie. It is also far darker in its humor, as it satirizes the usual superhero tropes.

“It’s just about telling a story,” Gunn noted in another recent interview with Collider regarding Peacemaker Season 2. “If a story is going to be R-rated, we’re totally okay with that. If it’s going to be PG, PG-13, or G, I don’t care — whatever is worthy of the story, that’s what we’re going to do . . . So, we have all sorts. I like the idea of doing all sorts of different things.”

This approach is radically different than that of Marvel Studios under Kevin Feige. While Marvel Studios produces all-ages entertainment, most of their children’s programming (like Spidey and his Amazing Friends) is unaffiliated with the main MCU. Most of their movies and shows also default to a PG-13 rating. In defying this standardization, Gunn and DC Studios are establishing a clear divide between the DCU and MCU.