The Director Cut a Significant Story Arc for Chukwudi Iwuji's Character from Peacemaker Season 2

The actor's no-nonsense mercenary Clemson Murn was killed off in Peacemaker season 1, but creator James Gunn had previously hinted that he might bring Iwuji back to play another character in the DCU. In the latest episode of the series' companion podcast, Gunn disclosed that Murn could even make a comeback, mentioning a plot with major consequences for the series going forward.

[Editor's Note: Plot details follow for Peacemaker season 2, episode 7, "Like a Keith in the Night."]

When reluctant hero Chris Smith (John Cena) and his friends visit Earth-2 in the new season, they meet alternate versions of several people from their own world. Rick Flagg, Jr. (Joel Kinnaman) clumsily stumbles overturning trash cans. Emilia Harcourt (Jennifer Holland) prefers books and skirts to pants and brawling. And Vigilante (Freddie Stroma) fights to free the oppressed as a member of the Sons of Liberty, rather than simply killing drug dealers and small-time lawbreakers.

Clemson Murn in Chris Smith's original world was possessed by the extraterrestrial insect Ik Nobe Llok, who didn't want to hurt people. Although Murn was the most terrible individual he could find, the butterfly still felt remorse to inhabit his form, because he believed Murn was able to reform.

Gunn explained he aimed to showcase that contrast by writing a storyline where Murn was also a member of the Sons of Liberty in Earth-2.

"He was a hero. While Murn on our planet was the worst guy in the world before he became a butterfly, Murn on their planet was this kind of kick-ass Harriet Tubman," Gunn said. "Like a total action hero."

Gunn eventually cut that plotline from the second season, but he said he's not fully giving up on it.

"The future remains," he said. "Earth-2 still exists. We didn't blow it up. This still exists."

Although the Peacemaker crew aren't rushing to return to the reality where the Axis powers triumphed in World War II, Gunn's assurance that it's still there means they might face consequences for how they wrecked its incarnation 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 flee through the gateway when the authorities showed up. Auggie referenced some kind of big plan involving the dimensional portal before he was killed, and Keith might attempt to complete that plan. He'd certainly try to avenge his family members in the process.

Peacemaker season 2 is streaming on HBO Max.