James Gunn’s Superman marks the first live-action film in the new DC Universe (DCU), and while it introduces fresh elements to the franchise, it also connects to some familiar faces and events. Key moments from The Suicide Squad and Peacemaker season 1 still play a role in the ongoing storyline, keeping the continuity intact.
The events of Superman even set up Peacemaker season 2 in several important ways, establishing ties between the two. Here’s a breakdown of how Superman paves the way for the next DCU series.
1. Rick Flag Sr.’s Growing Influence
Rick Flag Sr., a character with a complicated past in the DC Universe, plays a key role in setting up Peacemaker season 2. In Superman, Flag has risen through the ranks to become a US General, an important figure in the DCU. This is a significant evolution from his role as the leader of Task Force M, seen in The Suicide Squad and Creature Commandos.
In Superman, Flag is one of the US officials who discusses Lex Luthor’s proposal for an anti-metahuman task force. However, Flag doesn’t agree with Luthor’s ideas, especially his anti-metahuman stance.
At the end of Superman, Flag watches as Superman confronts Luthor, marking a key moment in the film where metahumans are officially taking center stage in the world. This sets the tone for Peacemaker season 2, where Flag, now serving as the new Director of ARGUS, will likely focus on dealing with metahumans more seriously.
His experiences in both Creature Commandos and Superman have likely shaped his views on the matter, hinting that Flag might play a bigger role in handling metahumans in the future.
2. The Justice Gang’s Role
Another key link between Superman and Peacemaker season 2 is the introduction of the Justice Gang. The Justice Gang is a group of powerful metahumans, funded by the wealthy Maxwell Lord, who have already made their presence felt in the new DCU.
In Superman, the Justice Gang is shown in action, working with the Justice League to stop threats like the Boravian invasion. Members such as Hawkgirl and Guy Gardner are also tied to future projects, including Peacemaker season 2.
In the Peacemaker season 2 trailer, the Justice Gang is seen interviewing John Cena’s Peacemaker, although they ultimately reject him. This moment signals that the Justice Gang is actively recruiting new members after the events in Superman, though Peacemaker is not their choice.
With Metamorpho also joining their ranks, it’s clear that the Justice Gang is gearing up for more adventures. However, their rejection of Peacemaker adds an interesting dynamic to the upcoming season.
3. Peacemaker’s Cameo and Relationship with Superman
Peacemaker himself makes a surprise cameo in Superman, continuing his story from the first season of Peacemaker. During a pivotal moment in the film, Superman’s Kryptonian origin is revealed, showing that Kal-El’s mission on Earth was not just to protect, but also to conquer.
Following this revelation, Peacemaker appears in an interview, where he claims that Superman thinks he’s superior to everyone else. This moment establishes that the version of Peacemaker in Superman is indeed the same one fans saw in the first season of Peacemaker.
Peacemaker’s connection with Superman suggests that, while their views on justice and power may differ, the two will likely interact again in the future. Peacemaker’s presence in Superman adds another layer to his character, showing his continued involvement in the larger DCU storyline.
