James Gunn Explains Lex Luthor’s ‘Peacemaker’ Cameo, That Big Nazi Twist and Why David Corenswet ‘Was Really Upset’ That Superman Won’t Be on the Show

SPOILER ALERT: This article contains major spoilers for Season 2, Episode 6 of “Peacemaker,” now available for streaming on HBO Max.

In Season 2 of “Peacemaker,” we witness the chaotic hero Christopher Smith, portrayed by John Cena, who has become captivated by an alternate reality where he never tragically killed his brother during their childhood. In this alternate version of Earth, Chris, accompanied by his brother Keith, also known as Captain Triumph (played by David Denman), and their father Auggie, the Blue Dragon (Robert Patrick), form a wholesome and celebrated superhero family. Meanwhile, the alternate version of Chris’s love interest, Emilia Harcourt (Jennifer Holland), showcases emotional stability and the ability to sustain a loving relationship. As Chris’s own life spirals into despair, he decides to forsake his original reality at the end of Episode 5 in favor of this seemingly idyllic alternate universe, especially after dispatching his alternate self earlier in the season.

However, the apparent perfection of this new world has a distinctly unsettling ambiance—evident even in the unorthodox spelling of Cheerios as Cheeri-ohs. In Episode 6, entitled “Ignorance Is Chris,” the truth about this alternate reality comes to light when Harcourt, Adebayo (Danielle Brooks), Vigilante (Freddie Stroma), and Economos (Steve Agee)—who collectively refer to themselves as the 11th Street Kids—embark on a journey to coax their Peacemaker back home. As is customary in “Peacemaker” fashion, their adventure leads to an explosive encounter after they inadvertently contaminate themselves with Vigilante’s stash of stolen contraband cocaine.

Upon arriving in the alt-Earth, the team quickly becomes separated. Harcourt persuades Keith to escort her to A.R.G.U.S. headquarters, during which she deftly observes the conspicuous absence of people of color in the vicinity. Meanwhile, Vigilante is overjoyed to meet his alternate version, whose similarity is only marred by a surprising twist: the alt-Vigilante regards Peacemaker as his “archenemy.” Adebayo and Economos remain behind at the Smith residence, with Adebayo eventually feeling compelled to explore the neighborhood. As she does so, she is met with shock and hostility from locals, leading Keith to scream, “One got out! A Black!” triggering a frenzied pursuit by a mob of Nazi Americans bent on violence.

Meanwhile, Peacemaker shares an emotionally charged moment with Harcourt, leading to revelations about their feelings for one another. During this time, he discovers a startling detail: the American flags adorning the desks at the alternate A.R.G.U.S. display swastikas in place of stars. This abrupt realization unveils that, in this variant of Earth referred to as “Earth X” (a nod to the DC universe), Nazi Germany emerged victorious in World War II.

James Gunn, the mastermind behind the episode, kept this pivotal twist tightly under wraps, opting not to distribute it for early reviews, though he did conduct private screenings for pacing purposes. Intriguingly, none of the viewers picked up on the telltale signs of Earth X’s all-white population until the dramatic reveal in Episode 6.

“No one noticed at all,” Gunn revealed in an interview with Variety. “And that was people of color, too.” Nevertheless, internet speculation stirred among fans who pieced together Harcourt’s observations regarding the racial demographics, especially in light of Auggie’s known history as a fervent white supremacist in the primary universe.

Gunn engaged in a detailed discussion about his experience crafting this episode against the backdrop of the 2024 presidential election, the incorporation of Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) into the storyline, and the narrative connections leading to the 2027 feature film “Superman: Man of Tomorrow.”

So, Nazis.

Indeed, Nazis.

Could you elaborate on your decision to subtly hide this twist in plain sight? Did you intend to immerse the audience in Peacemaker’s perspective?

Absolutely, it was very much in plain sight! While Peacemaker isn’t portrayed as a villain or a racist, he displays a narcissistic tendency to measure his environment solely based on personal treatment. His transition to this alternate universe leads him to overlook the racial homogeneity of the populace, which Harcourt, with her more observant nature, notices immediately. This difference in perception highlights a broader commentary on societal blind spots.

Your episode aired in the wake of a polarizing political climate. How did you balance your storyline’s narrative while considering the external political environment?

I filmed the cocaine explosion scene just hours after the presidential election, but my primary focus when writing is always on storytelling rather than making a political statement. That said, elements of the real world undoubtedly seep into the narratives I create. Central to this episode is Adebayo’s experience and how it reflects broader societal issues. Yet the heart of “Peacemaker” remains rooted in the relationships of the 11th Street Kids and their mutual impact.

What role does Lex Luthor play moving forward, especially in connection to Rick Flag Sr. (Frank Grillo)?

Lex’s inclusion was essential for particular plot developments, but there won’t be appearances from Superman in this show, despite potential narrative intersections with “Man of Tomorrow.” The relationship dynamics between Rick Flag and Lex are crucial and could have significant implications for the larger narrative.

How much will Earth X influence the broader DC universe in upcoming projects?

Not significantly. Earth X serves as a narrative device primarily for Peacemaker’s development.

With the national climate reminiscent of Earth X, how do you reconcile your fictional world with reality?

[Long pause] It’s challenging to articulate. There are indeed many troubling aspects of our world today. While my work may inadvertently resonate with current sociopolitical issues, I strive to focus on emotional storytelling rather than securing relevance to real-world events. My intent is to foster understanding and compassion through my narratives.

This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.