Peacemaker: Frank Grillo on How He Connected With Rick Flag’s Revenge Story in Season 2

by

General Rick Flag Sr., played by Frank Grillo, states in the trailer for Peacemaker season 2 that he’s searching for the Peacemaker, who was responsible for his son’s death. The Peacemaker, portrayed by John Cena, regretted killing Rick Flag Jr., a respected American hero, during their mission to Corto Maltese in The Suicide Squad (2021). Cena’s character admitted that Flag was correct in calling him a ‘joke.’ However, according to Chris Smith in the trailer, Cena’s character wants to change, no longer wanting to be seen as a joke but instead striving to become a true hero.

Flag Senior is persistently chasing Peacemaker concerning his handling of the Quantum Unfolding Chamber, a device reminiscent of the hazardous interdimensional technology used by Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor in Superman. Yet, his pursuit is not solely driven by concern, but also fueled by a desire for revenge. John Cena (Flag Senior) discusses with ComicBook how fatherhood influenced his portrayal.

The actor, who initially portrayed the older Flag in the animated series Creature Commandos, expresses that it’s almost unavoidable for him to feel immersed in the role. When he prepares for a character, he asks himself questions like “What actions would I take in this scenario? How would I behave in these circumstances?” As a result, it becomes challenging not to consider his own reactions during the process.

If asked for my opinion, I’d be determined to make sure that individual ends up in jail, and this focus might cloud other aspects of my life, which is what I believe Flag is struggling with. Grillo concludes.

Stepping into the director’s chair at A.R.G.U.S., I find myself surrounded by agents like Sasha Bordeaux (Sol Rodríguez) and Langston Fleury (Tim Meadows). My focus is on grappling with this fresh responsibility, as well as the immense power that comes with it. Yet, there’s one crucial objective that remains paramount: to eliminate Peacemaker at all costs. I intend to leverage everyone within my grasp, using my authority, to accomplish this mission.

Previously, James Gunn, the mastermind behind the series and director of The Suicide Squad, justified Peacemaker’s actions in killing Flag, who posed a threat by intending to reveal secrets about Project Starfish, which involved Viola Davis’ character Amanda Waller and the U.S government’s association with the alien entity Starro the Conqueror, resembling starfish.

In 2022, people have been frequently expressing their displeasure about Peacemaker on Twitter, particularly for his actions against Rick Flag, whom he killed in ‘The Suicide Squad.’ Despite potentially facing criticism, director James Gunn explained that Peacemaker had a justification for his actions. He murdered Rick Flag to prevent a piece of evidence from causing widespread chaos, destruction, and violence. Essentially, Peacemaker was concealing the truth. So if you believe in transparency above all else, you likely wouldn’t support his actions.

From a utilitarian viewpoint, rather than a standpoint emphasizing natural rights, Peacemaker seems to operate. According to Gunn, this character believes that the world benefits from keeping certain information hidden, such as details about Starro. If necessary, even if it involves the death of someone he deeply respects, he’s prepared to take that action.

For the second season, John Cena, Danielle Brooks, Jennifer Holland, Freddie Stroma, Steve Agee, and Robert Patrick reprise their roles, with Frank Grillo, David Denman, Sol Rodriguez, and Tim Meadows joining the cast as new additions.

In the second season of “Peacemaker,” Chris encounters a parallel universe that embodies his ideal life, a revelation which compels him to confront his troubled past and shape his future. According to the synopsis, James Gunn is responsible for penning all eight episodes and directing three, including the premiere airing on HBO Max starting August 21.

Read More

2025-08-17 22:42