Peacemaker Season 2 Reviews Are In. The DCU-Expanding Story Is ‘Darker And Sadder,’ But Is It Still Fun?

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It’s been quite some time since we last connected with Christopher Smith and the 11th Street Kids. The long-awaited second season of “Peacemaker” is finally scheduled for TV release in 2025, marking a 3-and-a-half year gap since John Cena’s character and his friends dismantled Project Butterfly. With five out of the eight Season 2 episodes having been screened to critics prior to the DC show’s August 21 premiere, what are their thoughts on James Gunn’s latest creation?

Viewers are indeed eager to grasp how Season 2 slots into the DCU timeline, and it’s fair to say that James Gunn’s perspective can seem a tad confusing as Peacemaker Season 1 isn’t part of the official canon. But fear not, as per Nate Richard from Collider, the second season promptly clarifies this matter, then skillfully revives what made us adore the series initially. The critic even bestowed it a score of 9 out of 10, remarking in his review:

In simpler terms, Peacemaker Season 2 appears to be a deeper and more emotional continuation compared to the first season. Notably, the opening dance number surpasses the catchy tune of Season 1 (performed by Wig Wam’s ‘Do You Wanna Taste It’). Although there is an extremely explicit orgy scene that might leave The Boys feeling embarrassed, Gunn excels at making viewers grow even more attached to the characters.

Danielle Ryan from SlashFilm rates the first five episodes of the series a 9 out of 10. According to her, the intense fight sequences, catchy music selections, and sharp humor continue in Season 2, but it delves further into the complex lives of the 11th Street Gang.

The authentic camaraderie and affection among the 11th Street Kids truly sets Peacemaker apart. Despite the bleak situations they often find themselves in, their emotional ties as this band of flawed, quasi-superhero misfits remain strong. Throughout his career, Gunn has consistently explored the dynamics of found families, but the 11th Street Kids stand out as a particularly significant group. As we eagerly anticipate how the series will conclude and what lies ahead after the suspenseful cliffhanger at the end of episode 5, it’s clear that Peacemaker is once again delivering high-quality action.

Bob Strauss from The Wrap agrees with the sentiment expressed earlier, stating that each character’s story becomes more impactful yet Peacemaker manages to keep its humor and gruesome aspects intact. James Gunn also infuses emotional depth into the multiverse concept, a feat Marvel has not achieved so far. However, it’s John Cena’s acting that truly stands out for Strauss, as he mentions in his writing.

In previous performances, professional wrestler Cena may have portrayed Peacemaker as a fool, but in this season, he masterfully captures the show’s emotional and moral complexities with the skill of a seasoned actor. His face, often used to appear foolish, now subtly conveys longing, regret, determination, and fragile happiness. This new depth gives Chris’s past tragic experiences a powerful dramatic resonance. While Cena’s action sequences and casual humor are still impressive, the most captivating aspect of his performance is how he humanizes this Superhero, making him relatable and authentic.

Amon Warmann from Empire believes John Cena’s performance in this film stands out as some of his finest acting yet. He skilfully combines the silliness and vulnerability of his character, resulting in scenes that are laugh-out-loud funny and also deeply moving, touching a chord with viewers. In Warmann’s words:

“Amon Warmann of Empire concurs, praising John Cena’s performance as some of the best he’s ever given. He consistently manages to strike a balance between his character’s absurdity and vulnerability, resulting in moments that elicit hearty laughter and also tug at the audience’s emotions.

Anticipation ran high as the series kicked off its second run, yet remarkably, it surpassed expectations, enhancing the initial success by further developing our emotional bond with protagonist Christopher Smith (John Cena) and his eclectic group of outcasts. The revamped yet equally entertaining opening sequence encapsulates the essence of this season – more elaborate, more intricate, and undeniably captivating.

James Gunn, as pointed out by Salmon from GamesRadar, skillfully utilizes the DC multiverse to delve deeper into Christopher Smith’s character. The new season exhibits a darker and more melancholic tone compared to the first, yet it remains filled with humor and absurdity. Tim Meadows’ Langston Fleury is particularly highlighted as the season’s most consistently hilarious character. Salmon awards the series thus far 3.5 out of 5 stars.

In more casual terms, “Peacemaker” has always felt like James Gunn’s most personal superhero venture, with an authentic sincerity that, paired with Dwayne Johnson’s emotional, injured portrayal, often leaves viewers genuinely touched. The second season maintains this heartfelt tone without losing the humor, surprises, and essential goofiness that made the first one so enjoyable. It’s remarkable that in 2025, Gunn has managed to create a parallel universe storyline within a superhero project that remains captivating and unforeseen.

Enthusiasts who have eagerly anticipated John Cena’s return alongside the rest of the Peacemaker Season 2 cast – including Danielle Brooks as Adebayo, Freddie Stroma as Vigilante, Jennifer Holland as Harcourt, and Steve Agee as Economos – are in for a treat! The first season is currently streaming on HBO Max with a subscription, while the second season will debut weekly episodes at 9 p.m. ET, starting Thursday, August 21, on the platform.

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2025-08-15 23:10