James Gunn Cut a Significant Plotline for Chukwudi Iwuji's Character from Peacemaker Season 2
Chukwudi Iwuji's tough soldier of fortune Clemson Murn was killed off in the show's first season, but showrunner James Gunn had previously hinted that he might recast the actor to play another character in the DCU. In the latest episode of Peacemaker: The Official Podcast, Gunn revealed that Murn himself even make a comeback, referencing a plot with major consequences 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 friends travel to Earth-2 in Peacemaker season 2, they encounter very different versions of familiar faces from their home reality. Rick Flagg, Jr. (Joel Kinnaman) bumbles around overturning trash cans. Emilia Harcourt (Jennifer Holland) prefers books and skirts to fighting and trousers. And Vigilante (Freddie Stroma) fights to free 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 original world was possessed 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 regretted the decision to take over his body, because he believed Murn was able to reform.
Gunn explained he aimed to showcase that difference by creating a storyline where Murn was likewise a member of the Sons of Liberty in the alternate world.
"He served as a champion. While Murn on our planet was the worst guy in the world before he was possessed, Murn on their planet was this kind of kick-ass Harriet Tubman," Gunn stated. "Like a total action hero."
Gunn eventually cut that storyline from the second season, but he noted he's not completely abandoning on it.
"The future remains," he said. "Earth-2 still exists. We left it intact. This still exists."
Even if the team aren't rushing to go back to the reality 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 incarnation of the Smith family. Harcourt attempted to murder the revenge-seeking and badly hurt Keith Smith (David Denman) before heading home, but had to escape through the gateway when the police arrived. 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 also assuredly try to avenge his father and brother in the process.
Peacemaker the new season is available on the streaming platform.
