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

Chukwudi Iwuji's no-nonsense mercenary Clemson Murn was killed off in the show's first season, but creator James Gunn had previously hinted that he might bring Iwuji back to portray a different role in the DC Universe. In the latest episode of Peacemaker: The Official Podcast, Gunn disclosed that Murn could even return to Peacemaker, referencing a storyline with major consequences for the show's future.

[Editor's Note: Spoilers ahead for the latest episode, "Like a Keith in the Night."]

When anti-hero Chris Smith (John Cena) and his allies travel to Earth-2 in Peacemaker season 2, they encounter alternate versions of familiar faces from their home reality. Rick Flagg, Jr. (Joel Kinnaman) clumsily stumbles overturning trash cans. Emilia Harcourt (Jennifer Holland) favors books and skirts to pants and brawling. And Vigilante (Freddie Stroma) fights to free the oppressed as a member of the Sons of Liberty, rather than simply killing drug dealers and small-time lawbreakers.

The 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. Even though Murn was the most terrible individual he could find, the butterfly still felt remorse to take over his body, because he thought Murn was able to reform.

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

"He was a hero. While Murn on our planet was the worst guy in the world before he became a butterfly, Murn on their planet was this sort of incredible Harriet Tubman," Gunn stated. "A complete action hero."

Gunn eventually cut that plotline from season 2, but he said 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 is still there."

Although the team aren't in any hurry to go back to the reality where the Nazis won World War II, Gunn's assurance that it's still there means they might face consequences for how they destroyed its version of the Smith family. Harcourt tried to kill the revenge-seeking and seriously injured Keith Smith (David Denman) before heading home, but had to escape through the gateway when the authorities showed up. Auggie hinted at some kind of big plan involving the interdimensional gate before he died, and Keith might attempt to complete whatever that was. He'd also assuredly try to avenge his father and brother while he's at it.

Peacemaker the new season is available on HBO Max.