James Gunn Says All of ‘Peacemaker’ Season 1 is Canon to the DCU | SDCC 2025
Everything you saw — it all counts.
At San Diego Comic-Con in July 2025, James Gunn told Entertainment Weekly that Peacemaker season 1 counts as part of the new DC Universe, and explained how that shapes season 2. Season 2 premiered on 21 August 2025 and turned out to be the show’s final season. In the UK, both seasons are on HBO Max. Below you will find the interview, what “canon” means here and how to watch the series.
The interview at a glance
| Interview | Entertainment Weekly at San Diego Comic-Con, July 2025 |
|---|---|
| Guests | James Gunn, John Cena, Danielle Brooks, Jennifer Holland, Freddie Stroma, Steve Agee, Frank Grillo, Sol Rodriguez and Tim Meadows |
| Season 1 | From 13 January 2022, 8 episodes |
| Season 2 | From 21 August 2025, 8 episodes, the final season |
| Created by | James Gunn |
| Where to watch in the UK | HBO Max |
What does the cast talk about?
- Season 1 and the DCU: Gunn sets the record straight on whether season 1 still counts, and what that means for season 2.
- Who has changed most: the cast discuss which character has changed the most since season 1.
- The music: they explain why season 2 has better music.
Is Peacemaker season 1 really canon to the DCU?
Mostly, yes. Season 1 was made as a spin-off from the earlier DC Extended Universe film The Suicide Squad (2021), while season 2 belongs to the new DC Universe that began with Superman. Gunn first said season 1 was not canon, then clarified that most of its events are, apart from specific moments such as the cameo by the old Justice League.
Season 2 settles it on screen. A recap at the start of the season replaces that Justice League cameo with the Justice Gang from Superman, and Gunn said the events of season 1 still take place before Superman.
What is Peacemaker season 2 about?
Chris Smith, alias Peacemaker, finds an alternate dimension where his father and brother are still alive and the family is a celebrated superhero team. The season is set after the events of Superman, and Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced and Sean Gunn reprise their roles from the film.
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| John Cena | Chris Smith / Peacemaker |
| Danielle Brooks | Leota Adebayo |
| Freddie Stroma | Adrian Chase / Vigilante |
| Jennifer Holland | Emilia Harcourt |
| Steve Agee | John Economos |
| Frank Grillo | Rick Flag Sr. |
How to watch Peacemaker in the UK
- Open HBO Max and search for Peacemaker. Both seasons are there.
- You can also buy the series from Apple TV or Amazon.
- To follow the DCU in order, watch Superman (2025) before season 2.
- The EW interview is free on YouTube, embedded above.
Questions people ask about Peacemaker and the DCU
Is Peacemaker season 1 part of the DCU?
Mostly. Gunn has said most of its events are canon, apart from specific moments such as the old Justice League cameo.
Do I need to watch season 1 before season 2?
Season 2 opens with a recap of season 1, but watching season 1 first gives you the whole story of the characters.
Will there be a Peacemaker season 3?
No. Season 2 is the second and final season of the series.
Where can I watch Peacemaker in the UK?
On HBO Max.
More Peacemaker on Hollywood Box
- The season 2 trailer: Peacemaker season 2 official trailer
- Cena teases what is coming: John Cena reveals Peacemaker season 2 surprises
- Hidden details: Easter eggs in Peacemaker season 1
- Gunn in his own words: Peacemaker: The Official Podcast with James Gunn
- More from Comic-Con 2025: The Rick and Morty cast on working with James Gunn
Sources
- Entertainment Weekly on YouTube (the interview and its description)
- Wikipedia: Peacemaker season 2 (canon, premise, premiere, cast)
- The Movie Database: Peacemaker (episodes, UK availability)
Updated 5 October 2026 by the Hollywood Box team.
