James Gunn is ramping up excitement for Peacemaker season 2 with a teaser that hints at new characters joining the beloved DC series. The filmmaker recently shared an intriguing image on Instagram of a mysterious figure, sparking fan speculation ahead of the show’s return on Max.
In the post, a man is seen from behind, sitting in darkness with distinctive pigtail braids and feathers adorning his arms. Gunn’s caption, “Who might this be? #Peacemaker,” has encouraged a flurry of theories about the character’s identity.
Among the fan favorites is Apache Chief, a Native American superhero known from the 1970s and ’80s Hanna-Barbera cartoon Super Friends. Apache Chief’s notable power, the ability to grow to a height of 50 feet, suggests potential for unique storylines and interactions in the upcoming season. Fans also speculated the figure could be related to Apache Chief’s inspired successors, such as Long Shadow from Justice League Unlimited or Manitou Raven from DC Comics.
Other theories suggest the character in the new Peacemaker season 2 image might be John Butcher, a vigilante suggested by users on Reddit. While speculation continues, the teaser successfully stirs anticipation for what’s to come in Peacemaker Season 2.
Regardless of the character’s identity, the image marks the first official glimpse into the upcoming season of Peacemaker. The show continues the story of Christopher Smith, aka Peacemaker, portrayed by John Cena. This character, revived after an apparent death in The Suicide Squad (2021), is on a new mission orchestrated by Amanda Waller (Viola Davis), which last season, unveiled a conspiracy tied to an alien invasion and the return of his father, the villain White Dragon (Robert Patrick).
Adding to the new season, Frank Grillo is set to join the cast as Rick Flag Sr., a role he voices in the animated series Creature Commandos, indicating a deeper integration of characters across the expanding DC Universe under Gunn’s oversight.
Peacemaker season 2 is part of a broader strategy by Gunn and Peter Safran to revitalize the DCU with a cohesive vision that spans movies, television shows, and video games. This includes the upcoming theatrical release of Superman and the recently premiered Creature Commandos animated series, positioning the DCU for a new era of interconnected storytelling. The second season of Peacemaker is expected to premiere in the latter half of 2025, following the theatrical release of Superman. However, a definitive release date for the show remains unconfirmed by Max.