“James this is the first time you’ve been in front of crowd since Superman,” said Peacemaker‘s moderator Joshua Horowitz, which triggered Hall H to erupt in cheer.
In the new trailer that dropped John Cena’s Christopher Smith is dealing with a parallel dimension just like ours and he loves it. It’s a place where he can hook up with Jennifer Holland’s Harcourt. Frank Grillo’s Rick Flag Sr (from Superman) is out to close the portal, and squaring off with Peacemaker. Says Leota in the new trailer to Chris, “No matter how great the grass is over there, you belong here with us.”
Said Gunn about season 2’s Smith, “He’s dealing with his demons from the first season, and the world isn’t accepting him as a hero.”
Continues the creator, “He discovers a parallel dimension and he thinks it’s the perfect universe; that’s the beginning of the story and it goes from there.”
Gunn’s Superman leads straight into Peacemaker season 2 with that movie’s supporting characters Green Lantern/Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), Hawkgirl/Kendra Saunders (Isabel Merced) and Maxwell Lord (Sean Gunn). That trio, as seen in the first teaser, grill Peacemaker for an interview with the Justice League.
In the season one finale, John Cena’s Christiopher Smith saves the world from alien butterflies. We also learn that Leota (Danielle Brooks) has a mother, and that’s Amanda Waller (Viola Davis). Season one ends with Chris sitting on his stoop, pondering the complexity of life, next to the ghost of his racist dad, Auggie (Robert Patrick) (it’s inferred that the guy will be hanging around like an acerbic Obi-Wan Kenobi in season 2). Meanwhile, Goff, the butterfly who was possessing Sophie, has been kept alive by Chris. Chris’ father leaves behind a house with an arsenal of weapons and costumes.
Per the logline, the new season follows Christopher “Chris” Smith, aka Peacemaker, the vigilante Super Hero as he struggles to reconcile his past with his newfound sense of purpose while continuing to kick righteous evil-doer butt in his misguided quest for peace at any cost.
Peacemaker is arguably the pinnacle of this year’s San Diego Comic Con in place of Marvel Studios. The latter, which typically occupies the late Saturday afternoon slot, skipped this year as the studio remains in deep production on Avengers: Doomsday. Billed as Peacefest, DC Studios also brought a musical performance from season 2 band Foxy Shazam and Steel Panther, which follows this afternoon’s sesh.
Returning Season 2 cast appearing on stage today included Brooks, Jennifer Holland, Freddie Stroma, Steve Agee, and Robert Patrick. New Season 2 cast members include Frank Grillo, David Denman, Sol Rodriguez, and Tim Meadows.
Gunn wrote all eight episodes of Peacemaker and directed three, including the first episode. Gunn, Peter Safran, and Cena are EPs. Greg Mottola, Peter Sollett, and Althea Jones also direct. Based on characters from DC, Peacemaker is produced by Gunn’s Troll Court Entertainment and The Safran Company in association with Warner Bros. Television.
Peacemaker happens on Aug. 21. at 9PM ET/PT on HBO Max.
