James Gunn Unveils Peacemaker Season 2’s Alternate Ending — Here’s What Changed

James Gunn didn't just let Peacemaker Season 2 stick the landing and fade to black. After the October 9 finale dropped, he explained that the original ending was actually brighter and cleaner — and that DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran pushed him to add a darker sting that tees up bigger DCU plans. Gunn walked through the whole thing on 'Peacemaker: The Official Podcast.'

The ending we almost got

Gunn said his first draft ended with the 'Checkmate' montage: Emilia Harcourt, Leota Adebayo, and the 11th Street Kids regroup as Checkmate; Eagly is cruising the skies; Peacemaker is finally back in sync with his people; and the song playing over it is Foxy Shazam. It was intentionally upbeat — a "we're actually making the world better" vibe.

According to cast members Jennifer Holland and Steve Agee, that version would have wrapped Chris Smith's arc with actual closure. Holland added that the soft, romantic beat between Harcourt and Peacemaker wasn't just fan service — it was meant to show both of them finally moving past the guilt and isolation that hung over two rough seasons.

The note that changed everything

Then came the behind-the-scenes nudge. Gunn said he told Safran about an additional idea, and Safran shot back, "Oh, you've gotta put that in there." So Gunn extended the episode, and the happy ending became the setup for a darker twist.

In the final cut, Peacemaker is abducted and shipped off to the planet Salvation. His captor? Rick Flag Sr., who snarls, "This is for Ricky, you piece of shit," before locking him up. Gunn made it clear this isn't a random swerve — it hooks directly into the broader DCU storyline.

• Original draft: Ends on the Checkmate montage with Foxy Shazam playing, Eagly free, Peacemaker reconciled with the team, and a healing moment between Harcourt and Peacemaker — a clear, hopeful wrap-up.
• Final cut: Adds the Salvation abduction by Rick Flag Sr., shifting the tone from closure to cliffhanger and setting up the next phase of the DCU.

Where this leaves Peacemaker

The earlier version would have closed the book. The one we got keeps the story very much alive — and pointed outward. Gunn didn't announce a Season 3, but he did make one promise.

"Peacemaker will be back... we have plans."

No specifics on a third season yet, but it was reiterated afterward that the character will show up in future DCU projects. So, yeah — that last-minute tag wasn't just for shock value. It's the handoff to whatever comes next.