The Director Removed a Significant Story Arc for Clemson Murn from Peacemaker Season 2
The actor's tough mercenary Clemson Murn met his end in the show's first season, but showrunner James Gunn had earlier teased that he might recast the actor to portray a different role in the DCU. During a recent episode of the series' companion podcast, Gunn disclosed that Murn could even return to Peacemaker, referencing a plot with big implications for the show's future.
[Editor's Note: Spoilers ahead for the latest episode, "Like a Keith in the Night."]
When reluctant hero Chris Smith (John Cena) and his allies travel to Earth-X in Peacemaker season 2, they meet very different versions of familiar faces from their home reality. Rick Flagg, Jr. (Joel Kinnaman) clumsily stumbles overturning 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 just murdering drug dealers and petty criminals.
Clemson Murn in Chris Smith's home dimension was taken over by the alien butterfly Ik Nobe Llok, who didn't want to hurt people. Although Murn was the worst person he could find, the butterfly still felt remorse to inhabit his form, because he thought Murn was capable of change.
Gunn said he wanted to showcase that contrast by creating a storyline where Murn was likewise a member of the Sons of Liberty in the alternate world.
"He was a hero. While Murn on our planet was the worst guy in the world before he became a butterfly, Murn on their planet was this sort of kick-ass Harriet Tubman," Gunn said. "A complete action hero."
Gunn eventually cut that plotline from season 2, but he noted he's not completely abandoning on it.
"The future remains," he said. "There's still an Earth-2. We didn't blow it up. This still exists."
Although the team aren't in any hurry to return to the world where the Nazis won World War II, Gunn's assurance that it's remaining means they might face consequences for how they wrecked its incarnation of the Smith family. Harcourt attempted to murder the vengeful and badly hurt Keith Smith (David Denman) before heading home, but had to flee through the gateway when the authorities showed up. Auggie hinted at some sort of major scheme involving the dimensional portal before he died, and Keith might attempt to complete whatever that was. He'd also assuredly try to get revenge for his father and brother in the process.
Peacemaker season 2 is available on HBO Max.
