Peacemaker is back on HBO Max, and Jennifer Holland is once again suiting up as Emilia Harcourt, the tough operative from the agency known as ARGUS. The season 2 premiere widens the show’s cosmic misadventure with a dimensional twist, while still delivering the sharp humor, kinetic fights, and even a dance-worthy opening sequence fans love.
Holland explains that the opening beat remains one of the series’ signature moments, and she’s all in on leaning into the “weirdest” stuff the show can conjure. For Harcourt, she wanted to project someone who could really hold her own in a bar fight, especially against opponents much larger. “I’m a very petite person, so I wanted to make sure that it looked real,” Holland says of her character’s confrontations this season.
To bring Harcourt’s physicality to life, Holland trained with a pro and focused on looking capable of fight work both in season 2 and beyond. She notes that in season 1 she came out of lockdown with a bit more weight and a lifestyle she wouldn’t normally keep, and she used that experience to inform the character’s evolution. This time, she aimed to convey someone who’s survived a near-death moment during the dramatic alien-invasion finale and who is ready to push further to protect herself and others.
While Holland has an extraordinary stunt double who can flip and be flung through the air, she still does a large share of the fight work herself, rehearsing choreography for weeks. “It was really important to me, for me to be able to do a majority of the fights,” she says, acknowledging the physical toll but emphasizing the thrill of performing the action on set with the stunt team.
Her ambition extends beyond the show: she would love to headline a full-on action film. The praise she’s earned from peers has helped fuel that goal. Frank Grillo told her she was one of the best women he’s ever seen perform an action sequence in episode 1 and urged her to pursue scripts that showcase that talent.
Holland teases that upcoming episodes will be a “really shocking, fun ride” and that Harcourt will continue to level up this season. She also offers a strong vote of confidence for James Gunn, her real-life husband and the show’s creator, saying she trusts him completely and appreciates the creative freedom and clarity he brings on set. The couple generally keeps their personal and professional lives separate, but when they work together, Holland says there’s a natural shorthand that helps her feel supported and understood.
New episodes of Peacemaker air Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO Max, and Holland’s Harcourt appears poised to be a driving force behind the series’ bold mix of action, humor, and jaw-dropping moments.
Value-added notes:
– This season’s shift toward higher-stakes action and more intense character stakes for Harcourt aligns with the show’s willingness to mix outrageous comedy with serious physical storytelling.
– The collaboration between Holland and the stunt team underscores a commitment to practical stunt work and authentic fight choreography, which can be a draw for viewers who crave grounded, persuasive action.
– The dynamic of James Gunn guiding the overarching story, paired with Holland’s own drive and stamina, suggests a season that could expand Harcourt’s role and provide new avenues for her character’s development.
Summary: Peacemaker season 2 deepens Harcourt’s arc as a skilled fighter who has endured peril and remains fiercely protective, with Holland delivering a mix of grit, vulnerability, and adrenaline-fueled performances. Positive outlook and anticipation are high for more surprising twists and bold action scenes.