Why Superman’s Best Character Was Missing From Peacemaker Season 2’s Superhero Team Explained by James Gunn

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As a die-hard film fan, I was buzzing with anticipation before Season 2 of Peacemaker graced our screens, wondering how James Gunn and the team would navigate the show’s transition from the old DC Extended Universe to the freshly minted DC Universe franchise. The suspense was short-lived, as the very first episode, titled “The Ties That Grind,” opened with a chuckle-worthy recap of Peacemaker Season 1, complete with a hilarious montage that reminded us all of the rollercoaster ride we had last season.

What stood out was the way Season 1 played out in the DCU, surprisingly similar to its DCEU counterpart – but not without a twist. The climax, where Peacemaker saved the world from the Butterflies, led to an unexpected encounter between the “11th Street Kids” and the Justice Gang, featuring Superman and Supergirl themselves. It was a treat to see Guy Gardner and Hawkgirl back in action, but the absence of a certain super-powered canine left fans scratching their heads.

In a conversation on Threads, a fan inquired about why Krypto wasn’t included in the Justice Gang’s cameo, as portrayed by director James Gunn. It seems that Krypto was kept in the Fortress of Solitude because of his rowdy demeanor. Gunn explained in his response that it was unlikely they would trust such a dog to thwart an alien invasion.

Krypto Isn’t the Only Superman Character Who Doesn’t Return in Peacemaker

Previously, Gunn referred to Peacemaker Season 2 as a “direct continuation” from Superman, and the series includes characters who debuted in that film. However, it’s worth noting that there are some noticeable characters missing, leading many to question why Metamorpho (a member of the Justice Gang at the end of Superman) wasn’t seen in Peacemaker’s cameo. Gunn clarified that Peacemaker Season 1 unfolds before the events of Superman, meaning Metamorpho hadn’t joined the team yet, explaining his absence.

It’s understandable why Metamorpho wasn’t mentioned in the Peacemaker recap, as Gunn’s decision to exclude Krypto from the series is also logical. Although Krypto demonstrated his combat skills in Superman (particularly saving Superman from Ultraman and destroying Luthor’s drones), he’s too unpredictable to involve in a critical mission due to his wild card nature. If the Justice League had arrived in time to aid Peacemaker and co., they would have had enough challenges dealing with the Butterflies without adding an uncertain factor like Krypto to the mix. The spectacular action sequence featuring Krypto in Superman is confined; Superman maintains control of the situation, relying on Krypto to perform a specific task to gain an advantage over Ultraman. Battling an alien army, however, is a whole different league.

In the DC Universe, while Krypto possesses immense power as Superman’s pet, his tendency to disobey commands sometimes puts him at odds with being a reliable ally. Unlike Peacemaker’s Eagly, known for its obedience, Krypto’s unpredictable behavior can lead to chaos instead of assistance, making him more of a lovable troublemaker than a dependable savior in critical situations like the battle against the Butterflies. This unruly aspect is what endears him to fans, but it limits his role as a world-saving hero.

It appears Krypto won’t make an appearance in Peacemaker, but fans won’t have to wait long to see the dog again. At the end of Superman, Supergirl went to the Fortress of Solitude to fetch him, hinting that Krypto will be back for next summer’s Supergirl. Fingers crossed he steals the show again just like he knows how!

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2025-08-26 19:10