James Gunn’s DC Universe is becoming more connected than ever. In particular, Peacemaker Season 2 is a prime example of this growing link. Notably, six characters from the upcoming film Superman will appear in the new season. Altogether, this marks one of the most significant crossovers in the rebooted continuity.
This move, revealed through trailers and official marketing, highlights just how connected the DCU is becoming. Following a partial soft reboot of DCEU history, Gunn described the previous timeline as “pretty unreliable memories.” Now, Peacemaker Season 2 is positioned as a key moment for locking in the new DCU canon.
Which Superman Characters Are Returning in Peacemaker Season 2?
The upcoming season features a surprising mix of returning heroes, government figures, and even a late-night TV host — all of whom first appeared in Superman.
Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion)
Guy Gardner made his debut as Earth’s Green Lantern in Superman. He returns in Peacemaker Season 2 to challenge Chris Smith and mock his attempt to join Maxwell Lord’s so-called “Justice Gang.” Gardner is also expected to appear in HBO’s upcoming Lanterns series, continuing his arc.
Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced)
Kendra Saunders, also known as Hawkgirl, had a troubled role in Superman. She failed to support the Man of Steel during his darkest hour. By the end of the film, she redeemed herself. In Peacemaker Season 2, she plays a key role in assessing Chris Smith. Actress Isabela Merced confirmed that the events of Superman directly lead into Season 2’s story.
Maxwell Lord (Sean Gunn)
With Lex Luthor gone, Lord has taken on a greater leadership role by the end of Superman. In Peacemaker Season 2, he reappears alongside Gardner and Hawkgirl to consider whether Peacemaker is worthy of joining their team, though signs point to rejection.
Rick Flag Sr. (Frank Grillo)
The Secretary of Defense, who led the U.S. government’s harsh response to Superman, returns to settle a personal score. In Peacemaker Season 2, he blames Chris Smith for the death of his son, Rick Flag Jr., making their confrontation a deeply emotional one.
Cleavis Thornwaite (Michael Ian Black)
This late-night host, known for ridiculing both Lex Luthor and Superman in his segments, returns in Season 2. Now, he’s turned his sights on Peacemaker, using his platform to influence public opinion against the controversial vigilante.
Peacemaker (John Cena)
Though he only made a brief cameo in Superman — during a televised interview mocking the hero’s no-kill policy — Chris Smith finds himself dealing with the fallout. Peacemaker Season 2 begins one month after that appearance. Smith now fights to earn respect in a world still reeling from Superman’s public controversies.
In fact, bringing these characters together isn’t just fan service — it’s a statement. Through this crossover, Peacemaker Season 2 solidifies the continuity of the new DCU, clearly showing that events in Superman have direct consequences in other stories. As a result, with heroes and villains now moving between series and films, Gunn’s rebooted universe feels more connected, deliberate, and purposeful than ever.
The decision to include six Superman characters in a TV spinoff also reflects a storytelling strategy that embraces full-scale integration. From political fallout to personal grudges and public perception, Season 2 is about more than just Chris Smith’s journey — it’s about establishing a cohesive, long-term DCU narrative.
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Patrick Webb