DC’s big blue boy scout may have only just flown into cinemas with a little canine assistance, but DC Studio’s next outing is set to see the return of a far less inspirational hero. But who needs a flying dog and a Fortress of Solitude when your best friend is an eagle, and you’ve got a shiny helmet and a killer collection of hair metal hits?

That’s right, John Cena’s hilarious mercenary with a penchant for peace at any price is coming back in Peacemaker season 2. Set to arrive on HBO Max on August 21, the new season will see Cena’s former Suicide Squad member trade in the old DCEU for the freshly revamped DCU after having already made a cameo appearance in this year’s Superman.

There’s A Whole New Intro Sequence Coming

As amazing as the dance choreography was for the intro sequence to 2022’s Peacemaker season 1, soundtracked by Norwegian glam metal band Wig Wam, fans are in for another treat this season.

At this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, James Gunn revealed that Foxy Shazam would be lending their 2010 song Oh Lord to the show as its new theme song. While the accompanying dance sequence is still yet to be revealed, one has been filmed and viewers should expect more of Cena’s slick moves.

Will It Address The DCEU To DCU Changes?

With Peacemaker season 1 officially set within the old DCEU continuity, and even going so far as to include an appearance from the Justice League, there are many fans wondering if they may finally get an in-universe explanation for the recent franchise reboot.

While the Peacemaker season 2 trailers have already revealed the inclusion of alternate universes, as Cena’s Christopher Smith seeks to leave his world behind for a new life in a “perfect” alternate universe where his father (Supa-Star alumni Robert Patrick) and brother are both still alive, it is not clear whether this could also explain the sudden shift in cinematic universes.

Moreover, Gunn has already confirmed that Peacemaker season 2 takes place one month after the events of Superman, in which Cena’s character has already been established as part of that world. With Nathan Fillion’s Guy Gardner and Isabela Merced’s Hawkgirl also confirmed to be making an early season 2 appearance, all signs would point to the new season already continuing with the rebooted DCU continuity without much further explanation.

So, how then do the events of The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker season 1 fit in? Gunn himself has offered the following explanation to The Hollywood Reporter:

“Yeah, they’re light canon. Peacemaker is pretty straightforward, with the exception of the appearance by a certain group [the former DCEU’s Justice League] at the end. (Laughs.) They don’t exist yet. But the rule is: If we mention [something from the past] in one of the new DCU shows [and movies], then it happened. So that’s the way we’re dealing with it.”

It Will Definitely Address Peacemaker Killing Rick Flag

One of those key events from the old DCEU that has been confirmed to make its way into both the new DCU and Peacemaker season 2 will be Smith killing Colonel Rick Flag (played by Joel Kinnaman) during The Suicide Squad. With Creature Commandos and Superman introducing Flag’s father, General Rick Flag Sr. (Frank Grillo), the scene is now set for an epic showdown between the two.

Thankfully, Smith will still have the backing of the unlikely heroes of the 11^th Street Kids, consisting of Leota Adebayo (Danielle Brooks), Emilia Harcourt (Jennifer Holland), John Economos (Steve Agee), and the irrepressible Vigilante (Freddie Stroma).

All Roads Lead To Batman

As if bringing in Superman’s Justice Gang and Rick Flag Sr. is not enough, Peacemaker season 2 is also promised to continue to expand the new DC Universe. Among the show’s newcomers is Star Trek: Picard’s Sol Rodriguez as Sasha Bordeaux. Primarily connected with the Task Force X division Checkmate, comic fans may also recognise her as a private contractor hired as the head of Bruce Wayne’s personal security by Lucius Fox.

While Rodriguez has confirmed that her character has not met Batman during an appearance at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, Gunn was quick to interject with the qualifier “yet.” Suggesting that Bordeaux’s may have a much bigger role in the DCU to come.

Be sure to give peace a chance when Peacemaker season 2 arrives on HBO Max on August 21, 2025.