Los Angeles, CA – July 28, 2025 – John Cena’s controversial yet beloved anti-hero, Christopher Smith, also known as the Peacemaker, is officially back, and his world is about to get a lot more complicated. DC Studios unveiled the much-anticipated trailer for the second season of the hit series at San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday, revealing a plot that plunges Peacemaker into a realm featuring a parallel dimension.
The “Peacemaker 2” trailer opens with Christopher Smith battling the unresolved trauma of his past, compounded by the relentless pursuit of Frank Grillo’s Rick Flag Sr. Flag Sr., now the head of the DC Universe company A.R.G.U.S. (Advanced Research Group Uniting Super-Humans), is driven by a singular, vengeful goal: to kill Peacemaker and avenge the death of his son, Rick Flag Jr., who was killed by Peacemaker in The Suicide Squad (2021). Rick Flag Sr. was first introduced in the animated series Creature Commandos (2024), also part of the new DC Universe, and his live-action debut in Peacemaker Season 2 sets up a major antagonistic role.
Amidst mounting troubles and facing rejection from Jennifer Holland’s Emilia Harcourt, Peacemaker discovers a portal to a new universe – a parallel dimension where, in stark contrast to his own reality, he is hailed as a hero rather than an outcast. This alternate world appears to offer him the acceptance and admiration he craves.
Back in his “real” world, the determined Rick Flag Sr. is shown attempting to close the portal, intensifying his vengeful game with the protagonist. Throughout the back-and-forth, Danielle Brooks’ Leota Adebayo delivers a poignant message to Peacemaker: “No matter how great the grass is over there, you belong here with us.” The official caption accompanying the trailer echoed this sentiment, stating, “Making peace with yourself is harder than it looks.”
Speaking at Comic-Con, series creator and co-CEO of DC Studios, James Gunn, delved into the evolution of Cena’s character in the second season. “I really like TV shows where the characters don’t just return every season and they’re the same exact characters. I want to see growth. I want to see change and sometimes regression. And Peacemaker is a different guy this year. He’s dealing with the demons he uncovered from the first season, and trying to deal with them, and the world is not accepting him the way he is. They aren’t accepting him as a hero,” Gunn explained. He also clarified that Peacemaker Season 2 is set after the events of the upcoming DCU film Superman (2025), and while most of Season 1 is canon, specific elements like the DCEU’s Justice League appearance will be addressed.
The trailer launch event saw John Cena in his full Peacemaker costume, joined by James Gunn and co-stars Jennifer Holland, Frank Grillo, Freddie Stroma (Vigilante), Steve Agee (John Economos), and new cast member Sol Rodriguez (Sasha Bordeaux). Robert Patrick is also expected to return as Peacemaker’s father, August “Auggie” Smith/White Dragon, likely in visions as seen in the first season. Additional new cast members include Tim Meadows as Langston Fleury and Michael Rooker as Red St. Wild.
Peacemaker 2 is slated for release on August 21, 2025, exclusively on HBO Max. Fans can anticipate an eight-episode season that promises more action, humor, and complex character development within the newly established DC Universe.