Superhero fans, brace yourselves! James Gunn just pulled off the most unexpected cameo in Peacemaker Season 2's finale, and it’s not who you’d think. But here’s where it gets controversial: while audiences are conditioned to expect big-name cameos in every superhero project, Gunn flipped the script by sneaking in himself—alongside members of the band Nelson—in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just a gimmick; it’s a celebration of Gunn’s love for music and a clever way to expand the DC Universe without feeling forced.
Superhero movies have trained us to anticipate cameos, often as flashy reminders of the next big thing. At their best, these appearances enrich the shared universe, but they can also feel shoehorned, leaving fans rolling their eyes. Enter Peacemaker, a DC series that masterfully balances its standalone story with seamless ties to the broader franchise. Whether it’s the Justice League (or the hilariously renamed Justice Gang) or subtle nods to other heroes, the show makes its world feel alive and connected. Take, for instance, how Season 2 sets the stage for Superman: Man of Tomorrow—it’s all about building a cohesive universe without sacrificing the story’s integrity.
Peacemaker Season 2 occupies a unique space in the DC Universe. It’s a standalone narrative that deepens the themes of its first season while planting seeds for future franchise developments. So, when Gunn slipped in a cameo, it wasn’t Superman or Batman—it was himself, grooving to Foxy Shazam’s Oh, Lord alongside Steve Agee (Economos) and Matthew and Gunnar Nelson. Bold move? Absolutely. But it’s also a testament to Gunn’s passion for music and his ability to blend personal interests with professional projects.
In the finale, Christopher Smith (John Cena) and Harcourt (Jennifer Holland) attend a rock concert on a ‘rock cruise,’ where Foxy Shazam performs Oh, Lord, the very song that opens Season 2. As the duo sings along, sharp-eyed viewers spotted Gunn in the background, simply enjoying the music. ‘The whole crew came out there,’ Gunn revealed on the Peacemaker podcast. ‘We all just were dancing around.’ This meta moment recontextualizes the season, highlighting Gunn’s use of the show as a platform to share his musical obsessions—and, let’s be honest, to attend concerts on the clock.
But here’s the real question: Is this cameo a genius move or a self-indulgent detour? Some might argue it’s a distraction, but others see it as a refreshing break from the formulaic cameo culture. What do you think? Let us know in the comments!
The scene isn’t just about the cameo, though. Oh, Lord plays earlier in the episode, as Chris celebrates a heartfelt moment with Harcourt, dancing with a joy we haven’t seen since his ‘best dimension ever’ days. This mirrors one of Season 1’s best moments, where the opening theme Do Ya Wanna Taste It by Wig Wam kicks in during a climactic battle—a nod to anime’s tradition of using opening themes to amplify nostalgia and hype. Think One Piece’s iconic callback after 1015 episodes or Pokémon’s Gotta Catch ‘Em All during Ash’s long-awaited victory. Peacemaker Season 2 continues this legacy, blending music, emotion, and storytelling in a way that feels both fresh and familiar.
So, is James Gunn’s cameo a stroke of genius or a step too far? One thing’s for sure: Peacemaker keeps finding new ways to surprise us—and we’re here for it.
