James Gunn has never been one to shy away from pushing boundaries, but even ‘Peacemaker’ season 2 has managed to shock its own cast and crew. The premiere episode leaned right into the series’ signature vulgarity and offbeat humor.
The first episode doubled down with a massive, no-holds-barred orgy sequence that quickly became one of the most talked-about moments in the DCU.
“The Most Graphic Day I’ve Ever Had”: ‘Peacemaker’ Star Steve Agee On Witnessing The Scene
At the center of this wild scene was Peacemaker, who spirals into self-destruction after being rejected by the Justice Gang. What follows is a drug- and alcohol-fueled binge that culminates in his entire house turning into an NSFW playground. Every room, every surface, every corner, nothing is spared from the chaos. However, for Steve Agee, who plays John Economos, the experience of filming was nothing short of surreal.
Related: DCU’s First Batman Villain Debuts In ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2, And It’s Not Who You’d Expect
Agee admitted that his visible shock when peeking into the orgy on screen wasn’t acting; it was his real, unfiltered reaction to what he saw on set. “It’s definitely the most graphic day I’ve ever had on a set, and I was just an observer,” Agee told EW. “You get a script that says, ‘There are people having sex.’ And in my head I’m like, ‘There’s only so much you can show on TV.’ Then I walk up to a window, and there are like 30 people in a room having sex. Full frontal, back-al, upside down, you name it. My jaw just dropped.”
While wild and raunchy, James Gunn made it clear that the scene wasn’t designed just for shock value. Instead, it served as a metaphor for Peacemaker’s regression into old habits. After finding growth in season 1, Chris uses sex and drugs in season 2’s opening to numb his rejection. “We hear a lot about how sexually debaucherous Chris is in the first season, and here we see a little hint of that. He’s relapsing, backtracking into self-destructive behavior. He’s gotten better, he’s grown, but here he’s sort of falling apart again,” Gunn explained.
Shooting such a large-scale, explicit sequence wasn’t easy, but Gunn credits one crucial factor for making it work smoothly: intimacy coordinators. Once derided by some veteran directors, Gunn praises them as “the best thing that has been given to us as filmmakers in the past 20 years.” The production team closed the set for the orgy shoot to respect the privacy of actors, many of whom were completely nude.
What impressed Agee most, however, was the “equality.” This wasn’t just the stereotypical focus on women’s bodies; it was on both men and women. “I’ve been around blood, gore, horror, this was a whole other level. As a comedic actor, I don’t get to see that kind of thing. Honestly? Slash ever,” he recalled. The outrageous moment may have sparked laughter and gasps. However, it also showcased Gunn’s unusual ability to use vulgarity as a storytelling tool.
James Gunn Reveals A Major Detail About Superman Sequel And The Broader “Superman Saga”
While Gunn has fans buzzing over ‘Peacemaker’s wild season 2 start, he’s also quietly shaping the cornerstone of the DCU: ‘Superman’. After the release of the film, audiences wondered how long it would take before a sequel would be announced. Now, Gunn has revealed new details about what comes next and confirmed that Superman’s story will be the foundation for an entire multi-film saga.
In case you missed it: James Gunn Explains New ‘Superman’ Move, And It’s All About ‘Peacemaker’ Season 2
In a recent interview on Deadline’s Crew Call with Anthony D’Alessandro, Gunn opened up about the sequel and what fans can expect. “It’s within the group of characters we’ve already met, and Superman’s an important element of it. So, that’s what I’ll say, but like that movie, that treatment is done.” This strongly suggests that the sequel will not only bring Superman back but also incorporate characters introduced in the first film and other DCU projects.
Fans are already speculating that this could include Supergirl, the Justice Gang, and possibly even crossovers with other established heroes. Even more exciting, Gunn confirmed that Superman’s journey isn’t confined to just two movies. He envisions a full-blown “Superman Saga” consisting of at least four films. This long-term plan positions Superman as the heart of the DCU.
