The Director Cut a Significant Plotline for Chukwudi Iwuji's Character from the New Season
The actor's no-nonsense soldier of fortune Clemson Murn met his end in Peacemaker season 1, but creator James Gunn had previously hinted that he might recast the actor to play another character in the DCU. During a recent episode of the series' companion podcast, Gunn revealed that Murn himself even return to Peacemaker, referencing a plot with major consequences for the show's future.
[Editor's Note: Plot details follow for Peacemaker season 2, episode 7, "The Keith Episode."]
When reluctant hero Chris Smith (John Cena) and his allies travel to Earth-2 in Peacemaker season 2, they meet alternate versions of several people from their own world. Rick Flagg, Jr. (Joel Kinnaman) bumbles around knocking over trash cans. Emilia Harcourt (Jennifer Holland) favors books and skirts to pants and brawling. And Vigilante (Freddie Stroma) battles for the oppressed as a member of the Sons of Liberty, rather than simply killing drug dealers and small-time lawbreakers.
The Murn in Chris Smith's home dimension was possessed by the extraterrestrial insect Ik Nobe Llok, who had no desire to hurt people. Even though Murn was the most terrible individual he could find, the butterfly still felt remorse to take over his body, because he believed Murn was able to reform.
Gunn explained he aimed to demonstrate that difference by creating a plot where Murn was also a part of the Sons of Liberty in Earth-2.
"He served as a champion. Whereas Murn on our planet was the most despicable man in the world before he was possessed, Murn on their planet was this sort of kick-ass Harriet Tubman," Gunn stated. "Like a total action hero."
Gunn eventually cut that plotline from season 2, 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 is still there."
Although the Peacemaker crew aren't rushing to go back to the world where the Axis powers triumphed in World War II, Gunn's assurance that it's remaining means they might face consequences for how they wrecked its version of the Smith family. Harcourt attempted to murder the revenge-seeking and seriously injured Keith Smith (David Denman) before returning to her world, but had to escape through the portal when the police arrived. Auggie referenced some kind of big plan involving the dimensional portal before he died, and Keith might attempt to complete whatever that was. He'd certainly try to get revenge for his family members while he's at it.
Peacemaker the new season is streaming on the streaming platform.
