James Gunn Removed a Major Plotline for Clemson Murn from Peacemaker Season 2

Chukwudi Iwuji's no-nonsense soldier of fortune Clemson Murn was killed off in Peacemaker season 1, 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 the series' companion podcast, Gunn revealed that Murn could 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 anti-hero Chris Smith (John Cena) and his friends visit Earth-X in the new season, they meet very different versions of familiar faces from their own world. Rick Flagg, Jr. (Joel Kinnaman) bumbles around knocking over trash cans. Emilia Harcourt (Jennifer Holland) favors books and skirts to fighting and trousers. And Vigilante (Freddie Stroma) battles for the downtrodden as a member of the Sons of Liberty, rather than simply killing drug dealers and small-time lawbreakers.

The Murn in Chris Smith's home dimension was taken over by the alien butterfly Ik Nobe Llok, who had no desire to harm any humans. Although Murn was the worst person he could find, the butterfly still regretted the decision to inhabit his form, because he thought Murn was capable of change.

Gunn explained he aimed to showcase that contrast by writing a storyline where Murn was also a member of the Sons of Liberty in the alternate world.

"He was a hero. Whereas Murn on our planet was the worst guy in the world before he became a butterfly, Murn on their planet was this sort of kick-ass Harriet Tubman," Gunn said. "A complete action hero."

Gunn eventually cut that storyline from season 2, but he said he's not fully giving up on it.

"There's still the future," he commented. "Earth-2 still exists. We didn't blow it up. This still exists."

Even if the team aren't rushing to go back to the world where the Axis powers triumphed in World War II, Gunn's assurance that it's remaining means they might deal with repercussions for how they wrecked its incarnation of the Smith family. Harcourt tried to kill 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 sort of major scheme involving the dimensional portal before he died, and Keith might attempt to complete whatever that was. He'd certainly try to get revenge for his father and brother while he's at it.

Peacemaker the new season is available on HBO Max.