James Gunn details Peacemaker finale’s impact on the DCU and confirms no current plans for Season 3

James Gunn outlines how Peacemaker’s finale reshapes the DC Universe, introducing Checkmate and Salvation

James Gunn has revealed that the Season 2 finale of Peacemaker, titled “Full Nelson,” introduces key elements that will shape the future of the DC Universe. Speaking at a virtual press conference, Gunn explained that the finale sets up the covert agency Checkmate and the metahuman prison planet Salvation — both of which will feature prominently in upcoming DCU stories, including the 2028 film Superman: Man of Tomorrow.

Gunn said the two concepts were planned long before he and Peter Safran took over DC Studios. “That was always pretty instrumental in the overarching story that I’m telling in the DCU,” he noted.

Checkmate is formed by the 11th Street Kids, who abandon official agencies to create an independent operation. The group includes Peacemaker, Vigilante, Judomaster, and disillusioned A.R.G.U.S. agents Fleury and Bordeaux.

Meanwhile, Salvation is introduced through A.R.G.U.S.’s attempts to find an alternate universe to contain metahumans. Gunn confirmed that the planet will serve as a prison world, echoing the Salvation Run comics but with a new narrative direction.

Gunn also revealed that a brief Deadpool cameo was considered during development. “I wanted them to open the door and see Deadpool in a room,” he said, adding that discussions with Ryan Reynolds took place but the idea was ultimately dropped.

While Peacemaker concludes with a major cliffhanger involving Chris Smith’s abduction by Rick Flag Sr., Gunn stated there are no current plans for a third season. “This is about the other stories in which this will play out,” he said, though he added, “Never say never.”

Gunn confirmed that Peacemaker will continue to appear in future DC projects, forming part of the wider storyline that connects Superman, Lex Luthor, and Rick Flag Sr.