Fans of the hit HBO Max series Peacemaker have been treated to a wild ride in its second season, with outrageous antics, jaw-dropping cameos, and a level of on-screen realism that, at times, has even tested the stomachs of its own crew. Yet, as the season barrels toward its finale, a cloud of uncertainty hangs over the show's future—one that's left viewers both exhilarated and, admittedly, a little queasy.
It was during the filming of season 2, episode 6, titled "Ignorance is Chris," that the boundary between fiction and reality blurred in an altogether unexpected way. Steve Agee, who plays the ever-nervous John Economos, delivered a gagging performance so convincing that it actually caused a crew member to vomit on set. According to the show's co-executive producer Lars Winther, Agee's fake retching—already a recurring bit for his character—crossed the line from comedic to contagious. "That scene is pretty disgusting, even as it is. But the first cut of it was so freaking gross that, like, I had to cut it," director James Gunn confessed on the official Peacemaker podcast, as reported by /Film. "So much gagging. And it's like when you see somebody gagging that much, it makes you wanna gag."
This isn't the first time Agee's commitment to the bit has had visceral consequences. The season 1 finale, "It's Cow or Never," saw Economos nervously infiltrating the Butterflies' lair, only to lose his lunch in a barrel—a moment so convincing that the show's focus puller "went off to the side and puked," Winther revealed. For Agee, the line between acting and reality can get pretty thin: "The gags become real after a while and I'm just sort of dry-heaving," he admitted, which probably explains why his performances feel so authentic.
It's the kind of behind-the-scenes story that perfectly encapsulates the show's blend of gross-out humor and earnest character work. John Economos's tendency to gag at the slightest provocation has become a running joke, but it's also a testament to Agee's dedication—and perhaps a warning to any crew members with sensitive stomachs.
But it's not just the physical comedy that's kept fans glued to their screens. Season 2, which premiered on August 21, 2025, has been packed with DC Universe lore, unexpected cameos, and a storyline that dives into the weird and wild possibilities of alternate realities. The latest episode saw the introduction of Nicholas Hoult's Lex Luthor—a character who first appeared in this year's Superman movie—now making waves in Peacemaker's universe. In a tense scene, Rick Flag Sr. meets Luthor at Belle Reve prison, striking a deal that could spell trouble for Chris Smith (John Cena) and his ragtag crew, the 11th Street Kids.
With just two episodes left before the October 9, 2025, finale, speculation is running rampant. Will the dimensional portal storyline reach a satisfying conclusion? What other canonical DC characters might make surprise appearances? And, perhaps most urgently, what does the future hold for Peacemaker itself?
Unfortunately, fans hoping for a quick renewal received disappointing news this week. In an interview with Collider, series creator James Gunn revealed that season 3 is "not right now" in the works. While this may come as a blow to the show's passionate following, Gunn was quick to offer a silver lining. "I think that people should— that doesn't mean there aren't plans for these characters, but it's not necessarily Season 3 of Peacemaker," he explained. In other words, while a third season isn't on the immediate horizon, the show's beloved characters aren't disappearing from the DC Universe. Gunn teased that they will "still exist and will be seen in other projects as well," ensuring that the door remains open for future crossovers and cameos.
Gunn also encouraged fans not to lose hope just yet. With two episodes remaining in the current season, he hinted that some burning questions might be addressed before the credits roll. "And then people should watch Episode 8 to see what happens, because maybe some of your questions will be answered in that episode by itself," he said. The message is clear: the story isn't over, and surprises still await.
For now, though, viewers can revel in what has already been a season full of twists, turns, and, yes, plenty of bodily fluids. The show's knack for balancing the absurd with the heartfelt—often in the same scene—has set it apart from other superhero fare. Where else can you find a focus puller literally running for the bushes after a particularly convincing bout of fake vomiting?
The show's ensemble cast, led by John Cena as the titular Peacemaker, continues to deliver. Freddie Stroma, Danielle Brooks, Jennifer Holland, and Nhut Le round out a group that brings both comedic timing and genuine pathos to their roles. The chemistry among the cast is palpable, whether they're battling interdimensional threats or just trying to keep their breakfasts down.
As the season draws to a close, the stakes have never been higher. The deal struck between Rick Flag Sr. and Lex Luthor threatens to upend the fragile peace the 11th Street Kids have fought so hard to achieve. And with the show's penchant for shocking twists, it's anyone's guess what the final episodes will bring.
New episodes of Peacemaker premiere Thursdays on HBO Max, with the highly anticipated finale set for October 9, 2025. While the future of the series remains uncertain, one thing's for sure: in a television landscape crowded with superhero stories, Peacemaker stands alone—unafraid to push boundaries, both comedic and physical, and always ready to leave its mark (or, at the very least, a few queasy crew members in its wake).
Whether or not season 3 materializes, the legacy of Peacemaker is secure. Its blend of outrageous humor, heartfelt storytelling, and unforgettable performances has carved out a unique space in the DC Universe—and in the hearts (and stomachs) of its fans.
