James Gunn Removed a Significant Story Arc for Chukwudi Iwuji's Character from Peacemaker Season 2
The actor's no-nonsense mercenary Clemson Murn met his end in Peacemaker season 1, but showrunner James Gunn had earlier teased that he might bring Iwuji back to portray a different role in the DC Universe. In the latest episode of the series' companion podcast, Gunn disclosed that Murn himself even return to Peacemaker, mentioning a storyline with big implications for the series going forward.
[Editor's Note: Plot details follow for the latest episode, "Like a Keith in the Night."]
When anti-hero Chris Smith (John Cena) and his allies travel to Earth-X in the new season, they meet alternate versions of several people from their home reality. Rick Flagg, Jr. (Joel Kinnaman) clumsily stumbles overturning trash cans. Emilia Harcourt (Jennifer Holland) prefers books and skirts to fighting and trousers. And Vigilante (Freddie Stroma) battles for the oppressed as a member of the Sons of Liberty, rather than just murdering drug dealers and small-time lawbreakers.
The Murn in Chris Smith's original world was possessed by the alien butterfly Ik Nobe Llok, who had no desire to hurt people. Although Murn was the most terrible individual he could find, the butterfly still felt remorse to take over his body, because he thought Murn was capable of change.
Gunn explained he aimed to showcase that difference by creating a storyline where Murn was also a member of the Sons of Liberty in the alternate world.
"He served as a champion. While Murn on our planet was the most despicable man in the world before he was possessed, Murn on their planet was this kind of incredible Harriet Tubman," Gunn stated. "A complete action hero."
Gunn ultimately removed that storyline from season 2, but he said he's not completely abandoning on it.
"There's still the future," he said. "Earth-2 still exists. We left it intact. This is still there."
Although the Peacemaker crew aren't in any hurry to go back to the reality where the Axis powers triumphed in World War II, Gunn's promise that it's remaining means they might deal with repercussions for how they wrecked its version of the Smith family. Harcourt attempted to murder the vengeful and badly hurt Keith Smith (David Denman) before returning to her world, but had to escape through the gateway when the authorities showed up. Auggie hinted at some sort of big plan involving the interdimensional gate before he was killed, and Keith might attempt to complete that plan. He'd certainly try to avenge his father and brother in the process.
Peacemaker season 2 is available on the streaming platform.
