James Gunn & Ryan Reynolds Almost Brought Deadpool to Peacemaker's Multiverse!

Get ready for some truly wild news! DC Studios co-head James Gunn just dropped a bombshell, revealing he and none other than Ryan Reynolds actually talked about bringing Deadpool into the Peacemaker Season 2 finale. Yes, you read that right: a Marvel-DC superhero crossover almost happened!

TL;DR

• James Gunn seriously considered a Deadpool cameo in the Peacemaker Season 2 finale.
• Ryan Reynolds, the Merc with a Mouth himself, was totally on board for the multiversal team-up.
• Huge legal hurdles and Gunn's storytelling philosophy ultimately prevented the epic Marvel/DC crossover.

Imagine the Epic Chaos: Deadpool Almost Crashed Peacemaker's Party

So, the Peacemaker Season 2 finale, titled "Full Nelson," recently hit our screens, and it was a whirlwind of multiversal madness, cliffhangers, and classic James Gunn absurdity. But tucked away in the multiverse-hopping antics was a secret that could have genuinely broken the internet. During a recent press conference, Gunn confessed a dream cameo that nearly came to life: Ryan Reynolds' Deadpool.

Picture this: John Cena's Christopher Smith, aka Peacemaker, is diving through various alternate realities using the Quantum Unfolding Chamber. Doors are popping open to zombie-infested early Americas, candy lands teeming with ravenous imps, and all sorts of other bonkers dimensions. But one of those doors, according to Gunn, was almost going to reveal the foul-mouthed, fourth-wall-breaking Marvel anti-hero, Deadpool.

The Honest-to-Goodness Conversations That Almost Made History

It wasn't just a fleeting thought, either. Gunn revealed that he "talked to Ryan Reynolds about it." And guess what? Reynolds, always game for a laugh and a boundary-pushing stunt, "wanted to do it!" Can you even imagine the unhinged, R-rated banter that would have erupted between Peacemaker and Deadpool? Two of the most hilariously violent and irreverent heroes on screen, finally sharing a frame? It would have been pure, unadulterated cinematic gold.

James Gunn on the Almost-Cameo:

"Yeah, I wanted them to open the door and see Deadpool in a room. I talked to Ryan Reynolds about it, and we'd have had to go through some pretty, pretty big hoops to do that. He wanted to do it. That's all anybody's going to talk about now is fing Deadpool in the other room."

Gunn even joked about his own reveal, anticipating the fan frenzy it would cause. He knew that once the cat was out of the bag, "that's all anybody's going to talk about now. Is fing Deadpool in the other room? I should have never said it!" But hey, we're glad he did, because the thought alone is enough to send shivers of excitement down any comic book fan's spine.

Why the Marvel/DC Crossover Was a Bridge Too Far (For Now)

So, if Gunn and Reynolds were both enthusiastic, why didn't this epic, unprecedented crossover happen? The answer, as you might expect, boils down to those "pretty big hoops." Blending characters from two colossal cinematic universes like Marvel and DC isn't just a creative decision; it's a logistical, legal, and contractual nightmare. The amount of paperwork, studio negotiations, and intellectual property wrangling would be monumental, likely requiring agreements between Disney (Marvel) and Warner Bros. Discovery (DC Studios).

Beyond the legal tangles, Gunn also has a strong philosophy when it comes to crossovers. He’s made it clear that while the idea is tempting, it needs to serve a genuine artistic purpose within the narrative. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Gunn elaborated on this, emphasizing the importance of quality storytelling:

"I think people wanna see good stories with their superheroes, and that's what matters. And they wanna see different types of stories with their superheroes. And people love superheroes. That's obvious, but they need more variety, and they need just more quality storytelling. And just having Spider-Man and Superman team up isn't gonna do it if it's st. So, it's gotta come from a real place, and it's really hard to make that work."

This perspective means that while a Marvel/DC crossover isn't entirely off the table for Gunn in the distant future, it would have to be more than just a fun gag. It would need to deeply enrich the story and make sense for both characters involved, which, for a quick multiversal glimpse, might have been a stretch.

A History of Inter-Company Winks and Nods in the Superhero World

While an on-screen Marvel/DC movie crossover remains a huge hurdle, both universes have a playful history of acknowledging each other. The DCU under Gunn has already dropped a few Easter eggs for eagle-eyed fans:

• Creature Commandos: Dr. Phosphorous (voiced by Alan Tudyk) was hilariously referred to as "Ghost Rider" in the animated series.
• Peacemaker Season 2: Vigilante (Freddie Stroma) pulled off the iconic Spider-Man pointing meme in episode 6, a meta-moment that surely made Marvel fans chuckle.

In the comic book world, crossovers are a more common (though still special) occurrence. Recently, the Merc with a Mouth actually met the Caped Crusader in the comic series Deadpool/Batman. Plus, there's a highly anticipated Superman/Spider-Man comic crossover slated for 2026. This ongoing collaboration in print definitely keeps the hope alive for future big-screen team-ups, even if they require a cosmic alignment of studio executives and lawyers.

Diving Deep into the Multiversal Madness of Peacemaker's Second Season

Beyond the tantalizing Deadpool almost-cameo, Peacemaker Season 2 itself was a wild ride. The finale, "Full Nelson," saw the 11th Street Kids (who are now officially known as Checkmate, a covert agency introduced in the season) grappling with Peacemaker's Quantum Unfolding Chamber and its multiversal capabilities. This technology, stolen by Rick Flag Sr., allowed Chris Smith to jump between Earth-X and his home reality, but it also opened doors to many other bizarre and dangerous places.

The finale specifically showcased some truly "visually gonzo" and "emotionally devastating" alternate universes, as described by critics. The team explored a surreal, candy-colored hellscape, a place Auggie 2 had ominously referenced earlier in the season, complete with ravenous imps and giant peppermint sticks. They also stumbled upon a zombie-infested version of early America. These diverse dimensions allowed Gunn to blend absurd comedy with genuine tragedy, a hallmark of his storytelling style, even as characters like Klein were killed and others faced profound changes.

The Cliffhanger Ending and Peacemaker's Future in the DCU

The second season wrapped up with a massive cliffhanger that has left fans buzzing and, in some cases, divided. Peacemaker finds himself abducted by Rick Flag Sr. (who used the Quantum Unfolding tech) and sent to "Salvation," a new, dangerous off-world prison for metahumans. Flag Sr. intends to use Salvation, a concept inspired by the DC comic The Salvation Run, as an inescapable prison for super-powered beings, even hinting at collaboration with Lex Luthor on this grand, sinister plan.

This ending certainly sets the stage for future DCU projects, possibly tying into the upcoming Luthor-focused Man of Tomorrow movie slated for 2027. However, the immediate future of Peacemaker as a standalone series is a bit ambiguous. While Gunn has confirmed that Peacemaker is an "important character" for the DCU moving forward and that the 11th Street Kids won't be gone for long, he also stated that Peacemaker Season 3 is not currently in development. He did, however, offer a glimmer of hope, saying, "That doesn't mean that there won't be [another season]. I don't want to never say never, but right now, no, this is about the future of the DCU. It's an important character."

Fans are naturally anxious about Christopher Smith's fate, hoping his story won't be relegated to a quick footnote in another project. Given the show's popularity on Max, many are clamoring for a proper resolution to the cliffhanger. The formation of Checkmate at the end of the season, with Peacemaker's team stepping into their new roles, also promises their continued relevance in the evolving DCU narrative.

Beyond Peacemaker: Updates on the Wider DCU and Other Projects

Gunn also provided some insights into other anticipated DCU projects and characters:

• Waller Show: The Amanda Waller-centric series, starring Viola Davis, seems to be hitting some bumps in the road. Gunn revealed that it's been a "rockier road" with the scripts not quite where they need to be. However, he expressed strong hopes that Davis will continue to be a part of the DCU, praising her as "one of the greatest actors I've ever worked with."
• Creature Commandos Season 2: Rick Flag Sr.'s actions in Peacemaker Season 2 will definitely have repercussions for the animated series Creature Commandos Season 2, which is currently being written. Gunn hinted that Flag Sr., initially perceived as a "good guy" in the first season of Creature Commandos, is actually much more complex and "totally imperfect," prone to making mistakes that will affect the wider narrative.
• Checkmate's Role: The newly formed Checkmate, including characters like Leota Adebayo (Danielle Brooks), Harcourt (Jennifer Holland), Economos, and Judo Master, is set to become a significant force in the DCU. Gunn stated, "You'll definitely see Checkmate carrying through like they're a thing now, so they're a part of what's going to happen, and I think they're going to be really, really good at what they do." Their circumstances will likely evolve beyond their current "startup" phase.

Speaking of Harcourt, Jennifer Holland, who plays the character, shared some behind-the-scenes insights into her character's arc. She noted that Gunn often shares plot points with her early on, though he keeps some details close to the chest to allow for changes during the writing process. Holland also reflected on Harcourt's initial "deep vitriol and hatred towards Peacemaker" in Season 1, revealing it was rooted in her relationship with Rick Flag Jr. (the other Rick Flag, for clarity).

The Enduring Dream of a Marvel/DC Cinematic Universe Crossover

While the Deadpool cameo in Peacemaker Season 2 didn't come to fruition, James Gunn's candid revelation reignites the age-old dream of a full-blown Marvel/DC cinematic crossover. The idea of these two comic book giants joining forces on the big screen is perhaps the ultimate fantasy for superhero fans. The fact that actual conversations took place, and that an actor as prominent as Ryan Reynolds was eager to jump between universes, suggests that it might not be an impossible dream, just an incredibly difficult one.

For now, fans can enjoy both universes in their separate, equally compelling forms. Ryan Reynolds is set to return as Deadpool in Deadpool & Wolverine, hitting theaters on July 26, 2024, continuing his multiversal antics within the MCU. And for those who need their Peacemaker fix, both Season 1 and Season 2 are available to stream on Max.

Even without a direct crossover (yet!), Gunn's willingness to even consider it speaks volumes about his vision for a vibrant, interconnected, and creatively open superhero landscape. It keeps the door ajar, however slightly, for a future where anything, even the most impossible crossovers, could one day become a reality.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peacemaker Season 2 and Beyond Where can I watch Peacemaker Season 1 and Season 2? Both seasons of Peacemaker are available to stream exclusively on Max (formerly HBO Max). What is "Salvation" in the DCU and what does it mean for Peacemaker? "Salvation" is a dangerous off-world prison for metahumans, inspired by the DC comic The Salvation Run. In the Peacemaker Season 2 finale, Peacemaker is abducted and sent there by Rick Flag Sr., who plans to use it as a metahuman prison, possibly with Lex Luthor's involvement. It leaves Peacemaker's fate on a major cliffhanger, setting up future DCU storylines. Will there be a Peacemaker Season 3? As of now, Peacemaker Season 3 is not officially in development. However, James Gunn has stated that he doesn't want to "never say never" and emphasized that Peacemaker is an "important character" for the future of the DCU. His story is expected to continue in other DCU projects. Did James Gunn direct Deadpool & Wolverine? No, James Gunn did not direct Deadpool & Wolverine. That film is directed by Shawn Levy. James Gunn is currently the co-head of DC Studios and is deeply involved in planning the future of the DC Universe, including projects like Peacemaker. Sources

• SlashFilm
• IGN
• Collider
• MovieWeb
• ComicBookMovie.com
• Bleeding Cool
• Variety
• Deadline Hollywood
• Rolling Stone