James Gunn Confirms Peacemaker Character Will Return In Upcoming DC Movie

By Russ Milheim Posted:
Peacemaker DC movie

Last year, all DC fans had to feast on was James Gunns' The Suicide Squad, starring names such as Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn and Idris Elba's Bloodsport. Among the name of talented actors was John Cena, who played Peacemaker in the film. Not only did fans love him, but so did Gunn, so much that he gave him his own HBO Max show: Peacemaker.

At the end of the latest DC Comics film, Cena's character turns up alive after being shot in the neck and being crushed by a building—luck was on his side. But, instead of just getting a new lease on life, he ends up with a new leash instead.

A team under Amanda Waller's control, led by Chukwudi Iwuji's Clemson Murn, the former villain is now basically a hitman for hire; tasked with hunting down and killing people labeled "butterflies."

Among the new characters on the team is Jennifer Holland's Emilia Harcourt. While the show doesn't have many immediate connections to the wider DCEU, rumor has it that Harcourt may crossover to another film this year—and writer-director James Gunn may have just confirmed it.

Peacemaker Lives On?

While guesting on TV's Top 5 podcast with The Hollywood Reporter, Peacemaker writer-director James Gunn was asked if he was basically building his own Peacemaker-verse within the DCEU.

In response, the director confirms that DC "can use these characters," and one of them, "which people have kind of figured out," is already set to go on to be featured in an unspecified upcoming DCEU film.

"It is part of the DCU, I mean they can use these characters... I mean one of these characters, which people have kind of figured out, one of these characters is used in a future big DC movie that's from here. So we are connected to all of this... who knows what role these characters are going to play in the future? I mean no one knew who the Guardians of the Galaxy were, and then all of a sudden they're massive players in [Avengers:Infinity War and [Avengers:Endgame. So who knows what's going to happen with Peacemaker in ten years, five years, or whatever."

Emilia Harcourt
Jennifer Holland's Emilia Harcourt in Peacemaker

Not too long ago, it was rumored that Jennifer Holland's character from Peacemaker, Emilia Harcourt, was going to factor into Dwayne Johnson's Black Adam in some fashion. The size of Harcourt's role is unclear, but based on Gunn's words, it's a safe bet that Holland's Harcourt will appear in Black Adam.

Which Peacemaker Character Will Appear In a DC Movie?

It seems that where ever James Gunn goes, success tends to follow—specifically when it comes to blockbuster franchises. Guardians of the Galaxy gave Marvel Studios another Avengers-level team, The Suicide Squad broke Warner Bros. negative reception streak, and Peacemaker might pave the way for more shows on HBO Max.

As the director said, most of those characters could go on to play a big role in the future of the DCU. If Emilia Harcourt is someone that crosses over, it could be the first of many in this regard.

If Black Adam is truly going to be getting Harcourt as the rumor says, her role probably won't be all that large. She may show up where ARGUS goes, possibly cleaning out a crime scene or showing up at the end of the film. 

If there were anyone else in the cast of Peacemaker who would do so, many would likely bet on Chukwudi Iwuji's Clemson Murn. His dark and mysterious past is more than likely a hint towards his character being a bigger-known figure from the comics.

Fans will have to tune into Peacemaker weekly every Thursday on HBO Max to find out who might take the first steps. The Harcourt-Black Adam question won't be answered until the film hits theaters on July 29 later this year.

- About The Author: Russ Milheim
Russ Milheim is the Industry Relations Coordinator at The Direct. On top of utilizing his expertise on the many corners of today’s entertainment to cover the latest news and theories, he establishes and maintains communication and relations between the outlet and the many studio and talent representatives.