The Director Removed a Significant Plotline for Chukwudi Iwuji's Character from the New Season
Chukwudi Iwuji's tough soldier of fortune Clemson Murn was killed off in the show's first season, but creator James Gunn had previously hinted that he might recast the actor to play another character in the DC Universe. During a recent episode of Peacemaker: The Official Podcast, Gunn disclosed that Murn could even return to Peacemaker, referencing a plot with big implications for the series going forward.
[Editor's Note: Plot details follow for Peacemaker season 2, episode 7, "The Keith Episode."]
When reluctant hero Chris Smith (John Cena) and his allies visit Earth-X in Peacemaker season 2, they encounter very different versions of familiar faces from their own world. Rick Flagg, Jr. (Joel Kinnaman) bumbles around knocking over trash cans. Emilia Harcourt (Jennifer Holland) favors books and skirts to fighting and trousers. And Vigilante (Freddie Stroma) battles for the oppressed as a part of the Sons of Liberty, rather than just murdering drug dealers and small-time lawbreakers.
Clemson Murn in Chris Smith's original world was taken over by the alien butterfly Ik Nobe Llok, who didn't want to harm any humans. Although Murn was the most terrible individual he could find, the butterfly still regretted the decision to take over his body, because he thought Murn was capable of change.
Gunn explained he aimed to showcase that contrast by writing a plot where Murn was likewise a member of the Sons of Liberty in Earth-2.
"He was a hero. Whereas Murn on our planet was the worst guy in the world before he was possessed, Murn on their planet was this sort of kick-ass Harriet Tubman," Gunn said. "Like a total action hero."
Gunn ultimately removed that plotline from season 2, but he said he's not fully giving up on it.
"There's still the future," he commented. "There's still an Earth-2. We left it intact. This still exists."
Even if the Peacemaker crew aren't in any hurry to return 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 incarnation of the Smith family. Harcourt tried to kill the vengeful and seriously injured Keith Smith (David Denman) before heading home, but had to flee through the portal when the authorities showed up. Auggie referenced some sort of big plan involving the dimensional portal before he was killed, and Keith might attempt to complete that plan. He'd also assuredly try to avenge his family members while he's at it.
Peacemaker the new season is available on the streaming platform.
