James Gunn Hints at Big DCEU Character Joining ‘Peacemaker’
The first episode of Peacemaker Season 2 has already surprised fans with a big change. In a recap of Season 1, the Snyderverse Justice League has been replaced by DC’s newly formed Justice Gang.
This new team includes Green Lantern, played by Nathan Fillion, Hawkgirl, played by Isabela Merced, Mr. Terrific, played by Edi Gathegi, along with the new Superman, David Corenswet, and Supergirl, Milly Alcock.
This switch was expected, as director James Gunn had hinted before the first season even aired that the Justice League scene would be updated. Gunn also explained that some projects, like Peacemaker and Blue Beetle, are easier to bring into the new DC Universe because they don’t have strong ties to the old DCEU.
These projects were developed after the DCU reboot had already been planned.
When asked about the possibility of Blue Beetle appearing in future seasons of Peacemaker, Gunn gave a teasing answer: “Well, you know, I won’t say you’re not in luck.”
NEW: James Gunn confirms (again) that Blue Beetle, played by Xolo Maridueña, is in the DCU!
— Xolo Maridueña Updates (@XoloUpdates) August 23, 2025
[via imdb on instagram] pic.twitter.com/lL5w2VcH9i
This isn’t the first time Gunn has shown interest in including Blue Beetle in the new DCU. Warner Bros. Animation and DC Studios are developing an animated series continuing the story of Jaime Reyes, the Blue Beetle.
Miguel Puga will be the showrunner and director, Cristian Martinez is writing the series, and Angel Manuel Soto and Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer, who worked on the 2023 film, will executive produce alongside John Rikard. Galen Vaisman will oversee the series for DC Studios.
The animated show will build on the 2023 film but tell its own story, possibly paving the way for another appearance on the big screen.
Xolo Maridueña, who plays Jaime Reyes, told reporters that the team is working hard on the series and hopes to finalize plans in 2025 with a release set for 2026. “Hey man, arrest me! [laughs] I’m ready to come back. We’re hitting hard this animated project, hoping to get this settled out this year to show everyone next year,” he said.
Maridueña also expressed confidence in James Gunn’s vision for the character. “Look, he’s got his hands in his kitchen. I don’t want to walk in while the chef is doing his thing. But I can say that once they’re finished with this three-course meal, I’m ready,” he said. He added with a laugh,”
“And look, I have no reason to believe that he’s lying. Like, whatever, we’re adults, say whatever you want to say! [laughs] I’m just happy to have done this first one and I’ll continue to spread the word about that while we get the second one drafted up.”
With Booster Gold also getting a standalone series, it makes sense that Blue Beetle will play a bigger role in the expanding DCU. Fans can expect these characters to appear more frequently as the new universe continues to develop.
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