The Director Removed a Major Plotline for Clemson Murn from Peacemaker Season 2

The actor's tough soldier of fortune Clemson Murn met his end in Peacemaker season 1, but showrunner James Gunn had previously hinted that he might recast the actor to play another character in the DC Universe. During a recent episode of Peacemaker: The Official Podcast, Gunn revealed that Murn could even make a comeback, referencing a plot with big implications for the show's future.

[Editor's Note: Plot details follow for the latest episode, "The Keith Episode."]

When reluctant hero Chris Smith (John Cena) and his allies visit Earth-X in Peacemaker season 2, they meet alternate versions of several people from their home reality. 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 oppressed as a member of the Sons of Liberty, rather than simply killing drug dealers and petty criminals.

Clemson Murn in Chris Smith's home dimension was taken over by the alien butterfly Ik Nobe Llok, who had no desire to hurt people. Although Murn was the most terrible individual he could find, the butterfly still felt remorse to take over his body, because he believed Murn was capable of change.

Gunn said he wanted to showcase that contrast by writing a storyline where Murn was also a part of the Sons of Liberty in Earth-2.

"He served as a champion. While Murn on our planet was the most despicable man in the world before he was possessed, Murn on their planet was this sort of incredible Harriet Tubman," Gunn stated. "A complete action hero."

Gunn ultimately removed that plotline from the second season, but he said he's not completely abandoning on it.

"The future remains," he commented. "There's still an Earth-2. We left it intact. This is still there."

Even if the Peacemaker crew 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 face consequences for how they destroyed its incarnation of the Smith family. Harcourt attempted to murder the revenge-seeking and seriously injured Keith Smith (David Denman) before returning to her world, but had to escape through the gateway when the police arrived. 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 in the process.

Peacemaker season 2 is streaming on the streaming platform.