James Gunn Removed a Major Story Arc for Clemson Murn from Peacemaker Season 2

Chukwudi Iwuji's no-nonsense soldier of fortune Clemson Murn met his end in the show's first season, but creator James Gunn had earlier teased that he might recast the actor to portray a different role in the DCU. During a recent episode of the series' companion podcast, Gunn disclosed that Murn himself even return to Peacemaker, referencing a storyline with big implications for the show's future.

[Editor's Note: Spoilers ahead for the latest episode, "The Keith Episode."]

When reluctant hero Chris Smith (John Cena) and his friends travel to Earth-X in Peacemaker season 2, they encounter very different versions of several people from their home reality. Rick Flagg, Jr. (Joel Kinnaman) clumsily stumbles overturning trash cans. Emilia Harcourt (Jennifer Holland) favors books and skirts to fighting and trousers. And Vigilante (Freddie Stroma) fights to free the oppressed as a part of the Sons of Liberty, rather than simply killing drug dealers and petty criminals.

Clemson Murn in Chris Smith's home dimension was possessed by the alien butterfly Ik Nobe Llok, who had no desire to harm any humans. Even though Murn was the worst person he could find, the butterfly still felt remorse to take over his body, because he believed Murn was capable of change.

Gunn explained he aimed to demonstrate that difference by creating a storyline where Murn was also a part of the Sons of Liberty in the alternate world.

"He served as a champion. While Murn on our planet was the worst guy in the world before he was possessed, Murn on their planet was this kind of kick-ass Harriet Tubman," Gunn said. "A complete action hero."

Gunn eventually cut that plotline from season 2, 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."

Although the Peacemaker crew aren't rushing to go back to the world where the Nazis won World War II, Gunn's assurance 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 sort of major scheme involving the dimensional portal before he died, and Keith might attempt to complete whatever that was. He'd certainly try to get revenge for his family members while he's at it.

Peacemaker the new season is streaming on the streaming platform.