Hold onto your helmets, DC and Marvel fans! DC Studios head honcho James Gunn spilled the beans: Ryan Reynolds' Deadpool was nearly a surprise guest in the Peacemaker Season 2 finale. Talk about a multiversal bombshell!
TL;DR- James Gunn confirmed he talked to Ryan Reynolds about a Deadpool cameo in the Peacemaker Season 2 finale.
- The crossover didn't happen due to "pretty big hoops" (read: legal and logistical challenges between studios).
- Despite this, Gunn remains open to future Marvel/DC crossovers, emphasizing the need for compelling storytelling, and hints at the character's future in the DCU.
Alright, superfans, get ready for some wild news that's going to make your comic-loving hearts ache a little. The Peacemaker Season 2 finale just dropped, bringing us more of Christopher Smith's chaotic journey, some heavy DCU setup, and, apparently, a near-miss with one of Marvel's most iconic, fourth-wall-breaking heroes. That's right, folks: Deadpool almost made a splash in the DC Universe, and we've got James Gunn himself to thank for the tantalizing almost-revelation.
During a press conference following the finale, Gunn, who's now steering the entire DC ship, playfully let slip a secret that he immediately "regretted" sharing. He admitted he "wanted them to open the door and see Deadpool in a room" during one of the multiversal excursions in the episode. Even more astounding? He actually spoke to Ryan Reynolds about it, and Reynolds was totally game!
James Gunn reveals he talked to Ryan Reynolds about a Deadpool cameo in the Peacemaker Season 2 finale! Find out why it didn't happen and what's next for Peacemaker in the DCU.
The Multiversal Door That Almost Opened to the Marvel Cinematic Universe
For those who've been following Peacemaker Season 2, you know the plot has been a wild ride. Chris Smith, played brilliantly by John Cena, found himself in an alternate dimension where Nazis won WWII, forcing him to confront some dark realities. The season finale, titled "Full Nelson," then saw A.R.G.U.S. agents, led by Rick Flag Sr., exploring various pocket universes through the Quantum Unfolding Chamber. They were on a quest to find a habitable planet, eventually stumbling upon "Salvation," which Flag Sr. intends to use as a metahuman prison.
This universe-hopping narrative was the perfect setup for a surprise cameo. Imagine, amidst interdimensional imps and flesh-eating zombies, one of the doors swinging open to reveal the Merc with a Mouth himself, probably cracking a joke about being in the wrong universe or asking for a chimichanga. It would have been a moment for the ages, a true "mind-blowing" event that would have sent ripples through both the DCU and MCU fandoms.
Gunn, however, clarified why this epic moment never saw the light of day. While both he and Reynolds were enthusiastic about the idea, the sheer complexity of getting two massive studio entities like Warner Bros./DC and Disney/Marvel to greenlight such a crossover proved too monumental. "I think we would've had to go through some pretty big hoops to do that!" Gunn noted, highlighting the immense legal and logistical challenges involved.
DC Studios co-head James Gunn reveals he and Ryan Reynolds discussed a Deadpool cameo in the Peacemaker Season 2 finale. Discover why this epic Marvel/DC crossover didn't happen and what it means for the future of both universes.
Why This Deadpool Crossover Would Have Been Absolute Gold
Think about it: Peacemaker and Deadpool. Two R-rated, foul-mouthed, morally ambiguous (well, Peacemaker tries to be good) superheroes finally meeting. The banter alone would have been legendary. Peacemaker's earnest, often misguided patriotism clashing with Deadpool's chaotic, self-aware meta-commentary? Pure comedic genius. Fans have long dreamed of such an interaction, especially between characters who thrive on pushing boundaries and breaking the fourth wall.
The energy that Ryan Reynolds brings to Deadpool is undeniable, and he's perfected the art of making Wade Wilson a lovable, albeit violent, anti-hero. John Cena's portrayal of Peacemaker has likewise earned widespread acclaim, turning a once-forgettable villain into a deeply complex and surprisingly empathetic protagonist. Seeing these two comedic powerhouses share a scene, even a brief one, would have been a treat unlike any other.
It's not just about the laughs, though. A Deadpool cameo would have been a massive symbolic gesture, a tangible acknowledgment that the separate universes could, at least theoretically, co-exist. While the DCU has already thrown in subtle Marvel nods (like Vigilante doing the Spider-Man pointing meme or Dr. Phosphorous being called Ghost Rider in Creature Commandos), an actual character appearance would have been a game-changer.
"Yeah, I wanted them to open the door and see Deadpool in a room. And I talked to Ryan Reynolds about it, but I think we would've had to go through some pretty big hoops to do that! He wanted to do it."
— James Gunn
Find out why Ryan Reynolds' Deadpool nearly made a surprise cameo in the Peacemaker Season 2 finale! James Gunn spills the tea on the Marvel/DC crossover that almost broke the internet and what it means for the DCU's future.
The DCU's Future and the "Never Say Never" on Crossovers
While the Deadpool cameo didn't happen this time, Gunn's openness to the idea is incredibly encouraging for fans hoping for future Marvel/DC interactions. As he takes the reins of the DCU, Gunn is focused on building a cohesive, interconnected narrative, much like he helped achieve with the Guardians of the Galaxy films at Marvel. He's known for "looking ten steps ahead" and isn't one to dismiss opportunities for unique storytelling.
Gunn previously stated that any crossover wouldn't just be for "fing Spider-Man and Superman team[ing] up" just because. It "has to serve an actual narrative purpose" and "come from a real place." This commitment to quality storytelling, even for a crossover, suggests that if a Marvel-DC event ever happens, it won't be a cheap gimmick, but a genuinely impactful story.
Speaking of the future, the Peacemaker Season 2 finale left us with a huge cliffhanger. Peacemaker is abducted by Rick Flag Sr. and sent to Salvation, becoming its first prisoner. Flag, in alliance with Lex Luthor, plans to use Salvation as a metahuman prison. This sets up major storylines for the wider DCU.
Regarding a third season of Peacemaker specifically, Gunn was noncommittal but left the door open. "That doesn't mean there won't be a third season, never say never, but right now, no. This is about the future of the DCU. And Peacemaker's still an important character," he explained. So, while Christopher Smith's immediate future is tied to the larger DCU narrative, John Cena's character is definitely sticking around and is "really important" to Gunn's vision.
Peacemaker Season 2 had fans divided, but James Gunn isn't backing down. Dive into the Earth-X controversy, why critics loved it, and what's next for John Cena's anti-hero in the DCU.
Beyond Peacemaker: Could Booster Gold Be the Key to Future Crossovers?
Interestingly, some chatter points to another DCU project that might be an even better fit for a Deadpool appearance down the line: the rumored Booster Gold series. While movement on this show has been quiet since its announcement, there's buzz about Eternals star Kumail Nanjiani potentially taking on the role, which would be fantastic given his comedic talent.
Booster Gold's whole deal is that he's a time-traveling hero from the future who wants to be taken seriously but often comes across as a bit of a joke. Sound familiar? Deadpool, especially in Deadpool & Wolverine, also struggles with being seen as a legitimate hero. This thematic overlap could create a natural, story-driven reason for these two characters to interact, without necessarily needing a full-blown Marvel-DC universe merger.
Such a cameo in a Booster Gold series could be a subtle nod, a way for Gunn to "say that a larger MCU/DCU crossover is on the table without outright committing to it." It would satisfy the fans' thirst for interaction while allowing both universes to maintain their separate narrative integrity, at least for now. It’s a smart way to tease bigger things without jumping through all those "pretty big hoops" just yet.
Peacemaker is coming back for a second season after a very successful first season. This time, it will be much more important, especially since it will be in a new part of the DCU.
The Enduring Appeal of Crossovers and Shared Universes
The idea of Marvel and DC characters crossing paths is a dream scenario for many. Historically, it was rare on screen, with studios focusing on individual characters or trilogies. The Marvel Cinematic Universe fundamentally changed the game, proving that an interconnected franchise could be incredibly successful with the right leadership. While the earlier DC Extended Universe had its struggles, the new DCU under James Gunn and Peter Safran is aiming for a fresh start and a more unified vision.
Gunn's unique position, having worked extensively with both Marvel (directing the beloved Guardians of the Galaxy films) and now leading DC Studios, makes him a crucial figure in this conversation. His relationships, like the one with Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, could potentially smooth the path for future collaborations, should the narrative call for it.
Ultimately, the nearly happened Deadpool cameo in Peacemaker Season 2 is a testament to the creative desire to push boundaries and give fans something truly unexpected. While it didn't materialize this time, the fact that such high-level conversations occurred is a huge win for anyone who loves these characters. It keeps the dream alive that one day, perhaps in a time-traveling, fourth-wall-shattering adventure, these two comic book giants might just share the screen.
FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Peacemaker Season 2 and Crossovers Answered
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