James Gunn wrote another dead Peacemaker character into Season 2 in a scrapped plot

Although Chukwudi Iwuji’s stern mercenary Clemson Murn died in Peacemaker season 1, showrunner James Gunn has hinted at the possibility of bringing Iwuji back in a different capacity within the DCU. On the latest episode of Peacemaker: The Official Podcast, Gunn even suggested that Murn himself could reappear on the series, outlining a storyline with major ramifications for the show’s future. [Ed. note: Spoilers ahead for Peacemaker season 2, episode 7, “Like a Keith in the Night.”]

In season 2’s trip to Earth-X (referred to by Gunn as Earth-2), Chris Smith (John Cena) and his allies encounter alternate versions of people they know. Rick Flagg, Jr. (Joel Kinnaman) is awkward and clumsy; Emilia Harcourt (Jennifer Holland) favors books and skirts over combat; and Vigilante (Freddie Stroma) operates as a freedom fighter with the Sons of Liberty rather than as a lone, violent vigilante.

On the show’s primary Earth, Murn had been inhabited by the alien Ik Nobe Llok — a butterfly-like parasite that ultimately chose a host it thought could change. Despite Murn’s abrasive nature, the creature regretted possessing him because it believed in his potential for redemption. Gunn explained that, to emphasize contrast, he originally planned an Earth-2 version of Murn who would be a bona fide hero and a member of the Sons of Liberty.

“On Earth-2 he was a hero,” Gunn said, describing that cut concept. “Whereas Murn in our world was the worst person before he became a butterfly, Murn there was this sort of kick‑ass Harriet Tubman — a total action hero.”

Gunn ultimately removed that storyline from season 2, but he stressed that the idea hasn’t been abandoned.

“The future still exists,” he added. “We didn’t destroy Earth-2 — it’s still out there.”

Even if the Peacemaker team isn’t rushing back to the alternate timeline where the Nazis won World War II, Gunn’s remarks imply the fallout of their visit could return to haunt them. Harcourt attempted to kill the vengeful and badly injured Keith Smith (David Denman) before fleeing through the portal, leaving unfinished threads: Auggie hinted at a larger plan tied to the dimensional gateway before his death, and Keith may pursue whatever plot his family was involved in while also seeking revenge for his father and brother.

Peacemaker season 2 is streaming on HBO Max.

Source: Polygon