James Gunn Cut a Significant Plotline for Chukwudi Iwuji's Character from Peacemaker Season 2
The actor's no-nonsense soldier of fortune Clemson Murn met his end in the show's first season, but showrunner James Gunn had earlier teased that he might recast the actor to portray a different role in the DCU. In the latest episode of Peacemaker: The Official Podcast, Gunn disclosed that Murn himself even make a comeback, referencing a storyline with big implications for the series going forward.
[Editor's Note: Spoilers ahead for the latest episode, "The Keith Episode."]
When reluctant hero Chris Smith (John Cena) and his allies travel to Earth-2 in the new season, they meet alternate 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 downtrodden as a part of the Sons of Liberty, rather than just murdering drug dealers and small-time lawbreakers.
The Murn in Chris Smith's home dimension was taken over by the alien butterfly Ik Nobe Llok, who didn't want to hurt people. Even though Murn was the worst person he could find, the butterfly still felt remorse to inhabit his form, because he thought Murn was able to reform.
Gunn explained he aimed to demonstrate that contrast by writing a storyline where Murn was also a member of the Sons of Liberty in the alternate world.
"He was a hero. Whereas Murn on our planet was the most despicable man in the world before he became a butterfly, 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 fully giving up on it.
"The future remains," he commented. "Earth-2 still exists. We left it intact. This is still there."
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 remaining means they might deal with repercussions for how they destroyed its version of the Smith family. Harcourt attempted to murder the vengeful and seriously injured Keith Smith (David Denman) before returning to her world, but had to flee through the gateway when the authorities showed up. Auggie hinted at some sort of big plan involving the interdimensional gate before he died, and Keith might try to finish that plan. He'd certainly try to get revenge for his father and brother while he's at it.
Peacemaker the new season is available on HBO Max.
