Peacemaker’s James Gunn & Freddie Stroma on if Vigilante Is Neurodivergent

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Ahead of the season finale, James Gunn and Freddie Stroma talked about a big discussion fans were having about the show *Peacemaker*. They explained their decision not to identify the character Vigilante (Adrian Chase) as neurodivergent.

James Gunn and Freddie Stroma say Peacemaker will not clarify if Vigilante is neurodivergent

So, I was reading an interview with James Gunn and Freddie Stroma about Peacemaker, and they were talking about Vigilante, Adrian Chase. A lot of fans, myself included, have wondered if he’s neurodivergent – maybe on the spectrum, or even a sociopath or psychopath. But Gunn and Stroma both clarified they’re intentionally not putting a label on him. Gunn said he has his own ideas about Adrian, but doesn’t think he’s the right character to represent those experiences. Stroma echoed that, saying he’s not qualified to make that kind of diagnosis or decision, and honestly, that feels pretty responsible of them both.

Stroma said he talked to Gunn about the character’s situation but deliberately avoided labeling it. He wanted to leave it open to interpretation and encourage further discussion. He playfully suggested people ask James Gunn directly, since he’s the one who actually writes the character and ultimately defines who they are.

When asked to explain further, Gunn said he has his own ideas about why Adrian behaves the way he does, but he doesn’t want to publicly label him with a diagnosis because of the character’s violent actions. He described Adrian as someone who seems lovable and friendly, but whose behavior is ultimately harmful. Gunn doesn’t want to suggest that others who share similar traits are also prone to violence, admitting he’s not even sure Adrian is a good example to use.

Since the first season of Peacemaker, Adrian has been portrayed as a cold and ruthless killer who believes his violent actions are justified when targeting those he deems evil. Viewers often discuss whether his behavior suggests he’s neurodivergent or a sociopath. However, the creator, James Gunn, has stated that he didn’t intend for the character to represent any particular group or condition.

Peacemaker Season 2’s finale airs Thursday at 9 p.m. ET on HBO Max.

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2025-10-09 10:12