The conclusion of Peacemaker Season 2 has left fans buzzing. James Gunn hints that the show will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the DCU. With its multiverse-spanning finale, the series does more than conclude a storyline—it lays the groundwork for a larger narrative within the DC Universe.
Peacemaker Season 2 Finale: Salvation and the Multiverse
The season finale, titled “Full Nelson,” features ARGUS using an alien portal generator to explore the multiverse. Gunn emphasized that this is “important to the future of the DCU.” Fans witness General Rick Flag Sr.’s secret mission: to locate a specific Earth-like planet known as Salvation. The plan? To convert Salvation into a “secret prison for metahumans”.
As the season ends, Peacemaker becomes the first character stranded on Salvation. Consequently, he faces an uncertain fate with no apparent hope of returning. Moreover, this cliffhanger is not only shocking but also opens the door to many narrative possibilities for future DCU projects.
Direct Connection to DC Comics and Gunn’s Clarifications
Gunn confirmed that the storyline is a “direct reference” to the 2008 Salvation Run comics. In the original comics, Salvation was later revealed to be a “training ground used by the New Gods of Apokolips.” However, Gunn clarified,
“We’re taking elements like Salvation, but we’re not adapting that total story. For example, there’s a very distinct storyline in the comics that involves The Joker vs Lex Luthor, but we’re not doing that.”
This selective adaptation shows Gunn’s strategy of using beloved DC Comics storylines while avoiding strict adherence to the source material. It allows the DCU to create its own unique narrative trajectory.
Potential Future DCU Applications and Reasoning
Salvation isn’t just a plot device. It could serve as a strategic tool to “introduce multiple DC Comics villains into the DCU” before their respective heroes’ debut. James Gunn’s approach addresses a recurring DCEU issue: the “lack of decent recurring villains,” as many were eliminated after just one appearance. By using Salvation as a central location, the DCU can create a richer, more interconnected villain ecosystem. This gives audiences engaging adversaries who can appear across movies and shows.
This setup opens the door to a variety of creative storylines. For instance, a series could explore “C-list supervillains reenacting The Hunger Games,” offering a darkly humorous take on villain interactions. Another possibility lies within Superman: Man of Tomorrow, where “Superman and Lex Luthor [are] forced to work together to escape Salvation,” creating unexpected alliances and tension.
Overall, Salvation provides a versatile narrative sandbox for the DCU. It allows writers to experiment with villain arcs and explore morally complex scenarios. It also helps gradually build a multiverse-spanning continuity—something the DCEU often struggled to achieve. By planting these seeds now, the DCU can avoid past mistakes and create a more dynamic and unpredictable universe.
Beyond Salvation, Peacemaker Season 2 shows how television projects can shape the broader DCU. Even side characters and spin-offs gain meaningful impact. Unlike the DCEU, where minimal tie-ins led to fragmented storytelling, the series uses the multiverse to introduce characters who may later appear in films or other shows. This approach allows for richer narratives, interconnected storylines, and sustained fan engagement. Overall, it sets a high bar for the DCU by blending comic references, fresh storytelling, and strong character development while avoiding past mistakes.
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