New DC Retcon Confirms A Major Superman Change 6 Weeks After Release

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The forthcoming appearance of John Cena’s character Peacemaker for the fourth time has sparked some confusion, as it was announced that his DC Universe character might survive a shift in continuity despite debates about whether he was fully part of the DCEU. Regardless, like Viola Davis’ Amanda Waller, his survival was always anticipated. Unlike Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, and many other characters from the pre-James Gunn era of DC’s cinematic universe, Cena’s character transitioned successfully. However, James Gunn had assured us that we would eventually receive an explanation for this.

In summary, Peacemaker Season 2 offers a simpler resolution to the DCU canon chaos than one might expect. The show makes use of a slight hand-wave and a retcon to revise the controversial Justice League scene from Season 1. While Jason Momoa’s Aquaman and Ezra Miller’s Flash may have still made appearances, they occurred in a different universe. After the team’s fight with the butterflies, events unfolded differently, causing a massive ripple effect that significantly impacts Superman and Supergirl. This article contains spoilers for Peacemaker Season 2, episode 1.

Peacemaker’s Retcon Makes Superman & Supergirl Justice Gang Members

In James Gunn’s recent movie Superman, it was clearly depicted that the Justice League had only three members: Mister Terrific, Guy Gardner, and Hawkgirl. The Justice League and Superman were portrayed as distinct entities; one being a rogue vigilante, while the others represented a contrast to corporate ideals. A notable instance was when the League confronted an interdimensional creature, with Superman choosing not to participate in the fight. However, it turns out that Superman’s association with the Justice League may not be as definitive as initially presented.

In a revised depiction by Gunn in “Peacemaker” Season 1, the original Justice League members, along with Superman and Supergirl, appear instead. This portrayal of Supergirl as an active superhero contrasts sharply with her final appearance in “Superman.” The scene further implies that Superman could be a member of this team. A significant standout moment is when Danielle Brooks’ character Leota Adebayo mentions, not casually or vaguely, but explicitly, the Justice Gang – implying both Superman and Supergirl are members of this team. This scene was intended to suggest that both Superman and Supergirl belong to the Justice Gang, a notable shift from “Superman’s” ending.

The Justice Gang Retcon Makes Gunn’s Comments On Superman’s Sequel More Telling

It’s possible that James Gunn has been hesitant to reveal specific details about the Superman sequel because he doesn’t want people to consider it as a typical Superman follow-up. Instead, he’s referred to it as the next chapter in the “Superman Saga.” Although some fans have speculated that the sequel could be titled “World’s Finest,” this isn’t confirmed and there’s no definite proof of a Justice Gang movie being in production. However, the inclusion of Peacemaker’s flashback in the series hints at a possible shift away from another solo Superman project.

In simpler terms, since James Gunn has been working on teaming Superman with other heroes (as demonstrated in Superman and his DCU world-building), having Superman act alone wouldn’t fit well with this plan. Unlike the Marvel Cinematic Universe where a solo hero facing a global threat might raise questions about the Avengers, heroes in the DCU often work together as collaborators. It’s likely that Superman will be part of a superhero team like the Justice Gang, and it won’t come as a surprise if we see Gunn’s interpretation of the Justice League soon. However, it is unexpected to already see these heroes working together so smoothly.

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2025-08-22 14:10