James Gunn Says Peacemaker Finale Could Be Last Episode, Yet Future Plans Loom

When James Gunn, Chief Creative Officer of DC Studios hinted that the Peacemaker season‑2 finale might be the series’ final chapter, fans were left scrambling for clues.

The episode, titled “Full NelsonHBO Max,” dropped on October 10, 2025 and immediately sparked a debate: Is Christopher Smith’s story really over, or merely entering a new phase?

What the Finale Revealed

Gunn’s comments came during a Comic Book Club Live interview on the same night the episode streamed. He stressed that while “Full Nelson” could serve as “the final episode” of the television run, he already has “concrete plans” for the character and his entourage. The cliffhanger—an ominous flash of the secretive Salvation organization—acts as a launchpad for the next wave of DCU content.

How the Peacemaker Cliffhanger Connects to Upcoming DCU Projects

“Full Nelson” doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Gunn explained that the episode directly feeds into the upcoming film Man of TomorrowLos Angeles, slated for a July 9, 2027 theatrical release. The movie, billed as a “sort‑of sequel to Superman,” will star David Corenswet as the Man of Steel, with an undisclosed actor stepping into the Lex Luthor shoes.

The connection? Salvation’s shadow looms over both the series finale and the superhero film, suggesting a multi‑media threat that forces Superman and Peacemaker’s allies to cooperate. Alan Sepinwall, writing for his newsletter "What's Alan Watching?", noted that Gunn is using the cliffhanger to weave a “narrative bridge” across the DCU’s film‑and‑TV slate.

Inside the Secret TV Project

Gunn has been flirting with the idea of a hidden television venture since March 2025, when he first met with potential writers and directors. According to an anonymous DC Studios insider (who has been with the company since January 2023), the project is farther along than anyone expected. The plan reportedly centers on a "Checkmate"‑style series or a reimagined "Salvation Run"—both properties rooted in DC Comics lore.

What makes this especially juicy is the promised return of core Peacemaker cast members: Joel Courtney as Adebayo, Jennifer Holland as Harcourt, and Steve Agee as Economos. Gunn told the same source that the team is treating the secret project as a “priority anchor” for the DCU’s television slate through 2028.

Production Timeline

• Q4 2024 – Concept development concludes after "Superman" wraps principal photography.
• Q1 2025 – Writers’ room assembled; early scripts drafted.
• Q2 2025 – Directors shortlisted; budgeting begins.
• Q2 2026 – Production slated to start, aiming for a 2027 premiere.

Budget, Production, and Talent Details

The original Peacemaker had a $12 million per‑episode budget for season 1, bumped up to $15 million for season 2. Those numbers illustrate why DC is eager to keep the franchise’s high‑quality aesthetic alive, even if the series itself ends.

John Cena, who portrays Christopher Smith, has hinted in a recent interview that he remains “open to returning” if the story calls for it. While no official commitment has been made, the fact that Netflix‑style streaming series often get revived for spin‑offs bodes well for his involvement.

What This Means for DCU Storytelling

Gunn’s dual hat—studio chief and filmmaker—means the DCU can now treat TV episodes like cinematic set pieces. The “Full Nelson” finale is less a goodbye and more a hand‑off, shifting the narrative weight onto future movies and the secret series. It signals a strategic pivot: rather than stretching a single show across multiple seasons, DC will pack each installment with world‑building hooks.

For everyday viewers, the takeaway is simple: expect more cross‑medium surprises. The cliffhanger that left fans buzzing in October 2025 will likely echo in theaters in 2027 and on streaming platforms in 2028.