James Gunn Removed a Major Story Arc for Clemson Murn from the New Season
The actor's no-nonsense soldier of fortune Clemson Murn was killed off in the show's first season, but showrunner James Gunn had earlier teased that he might recast the actor to play another character in the DCU. During a recent episode of Peacemaker: The Official Podcast, Gunn revealed that Murn himself even return to Peacemaker, referencing a storyline with major consequences for the series going forward.
[Editor's Note: Spoilers ahead for Peacemaker season 2, episode 7, "The Keith Episode."]
When reluctant hero Chris Smith (John Cena) and his allies visit Earth-2 in Peacemaker season 2, they meet very different 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 pants and brawling. 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.
The Murn in Chris Smith's original world was possessed by the alien butterfly Ik Nobe Llok, who had no desire to hurt people. Even though Murn was the worst person he could find, the butterfly still regretted the decision to inhabit his form, because he believed Murn was capable of change.
Gunn explained he aimed to demonstrate that contrast by creating a storyline where Murn was also a member of the Sons of Liberty in the alternate world.
"He served as a champion. While 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 incredible Harriet Tubman," Gunn stated. "A complete action hero."
Gunn eventually cut that storyline from season 2, but he noted he's not completely abandoning on it.
"There's still the future," he commented. "There's still an Earth-2. We didn't blow it up. This still exists."
Even if the team aren't rushing to go back to the reality where the Axis powers triumphed in World War II, Gunn's assurance that it's remaining means they might face consequences for how they destroyed its version of the Smith family. Harcourt attempted to murder the revenge-seeking and badly hurt Keith Smith (David Denman) before returning to her world, but had to escape through the portal when the authorities showed up. Auggie referenced some kind of big plan involving the dimensional portal before he was killed, and Keith might try to finish whatever that was. He'd also assuredly try to avenge his family members while he's at it.
Peacemaker season 2 is streaming on the streaming platform.
