The actor's tough soldier of fortune Clemson Murn was killed off in Peacemaker season 1, but creator James Gunn had earlier teased that he might recast the actor to portray a different role in the DC Universe. In the latest episode of the series' companion podcast, Gunn revealed that Murn could even return to Peacemaker, referencing a storyline with big implications for the show's future.
[Editor's Note: Spoilers ahead for the latest episode, "Like a Keith in the Night."]
When anti-hero Chris Smith (John Cena) and his allies visit Earth-X in the new season, they meet alternate versions of several people from their home reality. Rick Flagg, Jr. (Joel Kinnaman) clumsily stumbles overturning trash cans. Emilia Harcourt (Jennifer Holland) prefers books and skirts to fighting and trousers. And Vigilante (Freddie Stroma) battles for the downtrodden as a part of the Sons of Liberty, rather than just murdering drug dealers and petty criminals.
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 showcase that difference by writing a storyline where Murn was likewise a part of the Sons of Liberty in the alternate world.
"He was a hero. Whereas Murn on our planet was the worst guy in the world before he became a butterfly, Murn on their planet was this kind of incredible Harriet Tubman," Gunn stated. "Like a total action hero."
Gunn eventually cut that storyline from the second season, but he noted he's not completely abandoning on it.
"There's still the future," he said. "There's still an Earth-2. We didn't blow it up. This still exists."
Even if the Peacemaker crew aren't in any hurry to return to the world where the Axis powers triumphed in World War II, Gunn's promise that it's still there means they might deal with repercussions for how they destroyed its version of the Smith family. Harcourt tried to kill the vengeful and seriously injured Keith Smith (David Denman) before heading home, but had to escape through the portal when the police arrived. Auggie hinted at some kind of big plan involving the dimensional portal before he died, and Keith might attempt to complete that plan. He'd also assuredly try to avenge his family members while he's at it.
Peacemaker season 2 is available on HBO Max.
