James Gunn, the showrunner of “Peacemaker” Season 2, has elaborated on his decision to maintain the character of Joel Kinnaman’s Rick Flag Jr. in the DC Universe (DCU). This choice comes amidst changes like the retconning of the Justice League’s appearance in “The Suicide Squad” in favor of introducing the Justice Gang to better align with the evolving DCU narrative. Instead of leaving Flag behind, Gunn saw an opportunity to weave him into the storyline of “Peacemaker.”
In a discussion with Collider, Gunn disclosed that the character Rick Flag Jr. was romantically involved with Jennifer Holland’s Emilia Harcourt during the events of “The Suicide Squad,” and he believed this relationship was a vital thread to explore in “Peacemaker” Season 2. This connection, Gunn notes, added layers to Harcourt’s animosity towards Peacemaker from the outset.
Gunn explained that Flag’s and Harcourt’s relationship was more than just physical; it was a complex friendship. This backstory was an intentional part of their character arcs. Moreover, Gunn wanted to showcase Kinnaman’s comedic talents, revealing his aspiration to cast him in a comedic role, as audiences mostly viewed Kinnaman in more serious roles until now. Gunn, inspired by Kinnaman’s humor, was eager to see him bring a comedic dimension to the character.
Kinnaman, who originally portrayed Rick Flag Jr. in 2016’s “Suicide Squad,” returned to the role in Gunn’s 2021 reboot of the franchise and has now made his presence felt in the series “Peacemaker,” solidifying his character’s relevance in the DCU canon. Through this inclusion, Gunn not only enriches the storyline with interpersonal dynamics but also adds a layer of humor and depth, enhancing the overall narrative experience.