The latest discussions around Vigilante from Peacemaker have sparked intrigue among fans, with speculation about whether the character is neurodivergent. However, James Gunn and Freddie Stroma clarified that they will not officially label Vigilante. This reflects their thoughtful approach to representation.
Why James Gunn and Freddie Stroma Are Hesitant to Label Vigilante
James Gunn addressed fan theories directly, stating,
“I know what I think of Adrian as being, but I’m not sure he’s necessarily a great person to represent that stuff.”
This emphasizes Gunn’s awareness of the responsibility involved in portraying neurodivergent traits in a character who exhibits violent tendencies.
Similarly, Freddie Stroma explained,
“I’ve had a lot of people asking me if he’s on the spectrum, if he’s a sociopath, if he’s a psychopath… I am not qualified to make that label, that decision.”
Both creators have chosen to prioritize careful consideration over satisfying speculative fan discussions.
Understanding Vigilante’s Character in Peacemaker
Since the first season, Vigilante has been portrayed as an “emotionless killer” who justifies his violence against perceived “bad guys.” This characterization has led to ongoing fan debates regarding potential neurodivergent or sociopathic traits. Gunn confirmed that he did not create Vigilante to represent any specific group, making the character more complex and nuanced.
Stroma added further context, explaining that he and Gunn discussed the topic but decided to,
“Stay out of it and let other people decide, and maybe just keep that conversation going.”
This approach encourages thoughtful dialogue without risking harmful stereotypes.
Vigilante as a Lovable but Problematic Character
Despite his violent tendencies, Gunn described Vigilante as:
“Lovable, we want to hug him, we want him to be our friend.”
Acknowledging that the character elicits audience empathy. However, Gunn also emphasized that the character’s violent actions make him a challenging figure to use as a representative of neurodivergent individuals.
“I don’t necessarily want to give him a public diagnosis and say, ‘These people are like this,’ because… I don’t know if he is a good representation, frankly.”
Gunn explained.
Vigilante’s popularity reflects the complexity of his moral code and the way Peacemaker Season 2 continues to explore the grey areas of heroism and justice. This layered approach allows audiences to appreciate his depth while considering the implications of labeling behavior.
The Impact of Representation in Pop Culture
The decision to refrain from labeling the character also reflects broader considerations about representation in media. Characters like Vigilante, who combine humor, charm, and violence, can generate misconceptions if directly tied to neurodivergent or psychological labels. By allowing fans to interpret the character while avoiding official diagnostic labeling, Gunn and Stroma promote a responsible portrayal that respects real-world experiences.
The Peacemaker Season 2 finale is now available on HBO Max, offering viewers a closer look at Vigilante’s complex personality and his evolving role in the series.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on DCU’s upcoming projects, and subscribe to DC Updates’ YouTube channel.