A surprising callback proves James Gunn’s long-term plan has been in motion since Season 1.

Peacemaker Season 2 Surprise Explained

December 6, 2025: Peacemaker Season 2 has officially delivered one of its most talked-about moments yet — a clear and deliberate throwback to The Suicide Squad. Fans quickly latched onto the reference, sparking renewed appreciation for how carefully creator James Gunn has mapped out the series from the very beginning. According to Gunn, this wasn’t an Easter egg thrown in at the last minute, but a payoff he had envisioned since Season 1.

HOLR has the latest news as viewers revisit past episodes with fresh eyes, realizing just how far ahead Gunn was planning.

The Suicide Squad Connection Comes Full Circle

Season 2’s throwback directly ties Peacemaker back to The Suicide Squad, the film that introduced John Cena’s Christopher Smith to audiences. The moment reinforces both tonal and narrative continuity — reminding fans that despite DC’s evolving universe, Peacemaker’s story has always been rooted in the chaos and consequences of that original mission.

The callback functions on multiple levels: as fan service, as character development, and as confirmation that Peacemaker’s arc has been carefully unfolding rather than improvised.

James Gunn’s Long Game

James Gunn has revealed that the Season 2 moment was something he began laying groundwork for during Season 1. From dialogue choices to character positioning, early episodes contained subtle beats that now read as intentional foreshadowing.

HOLR breaks down the story here, noting that Gunn’s storytelling style thrives on delayed payoff — planting emotional and narrative seeds well before audiences realize their significance. In this case, the payoff arrives not just as nostalgia, but as proof of Peacemaker’s evolution from chaotic antihero to a more self-aware, conflicted figure.

Why the Callback Matters for the DCU

The The Suicide Squad throwback also holds significance within the larger DC Universe. As DC Studios reshapes continuity under Gunn’s leadership, moments like this highlight which elements remain canonically meaningful. Instead of rebooting Peacemaker entirely, Season 2 leans into its origins — reinforcing the idea that character-driven storytelling can survive broader franchise shifts.

This approach reassures fans that emotional continuity still matters, even as timelines and universes are reworked.

Fan Reaction and Online Buzz

Unsurprisingly, the callback moment sparked conversation across social media, with fans praising Gunn for his patience and attention to detail. Many noted how the reveal reframed earlier scenes from Season 1, prompting rewatches and deeper analysis.

Searches for “Peacemaker Suicide Squad connection” and “James Gunn planned Peacemaker Season 2” quickly began trending, proving that the series continues to command fan engagement well into its second chapter.

What This Means Going Forward

The reveal suggests that Peacemaker Season 2 won’t rely solely on shock value or humor, but instead on long-form storytelling with deliberate emotional payoffs. If this moment is any indication, future episodes may unlock even more connections — both to Peacemaker’s past and to the wider DC world.