James Gunn sits down with Variety to discuss why he brought Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor onto Peacemaker. He says the cameo ties directly to the upcoming Superman film. Gunn explains that Lex helps move the story toward the 2027 movie “Superman: Man of Tomorrow.” He also notes that Lex’s deal with Rick Flag adds tension for future DCU plots.
The Shocking Earth X Nazi Twist
In episode six, titled “Ignorance Is Chris,” the 11th Street Kids travel to an alternate Earth. The team quickly notices that the town lacks people of color. Adebayo runs from a mob that shouts, “One got out! A Black!” The scene escalates as Peacemaker sees swastikas on the American flags lining the desks at A.R.G.U.S. This reveals that Nazi Germany won World War II on this world, which Gunn calls “Earth X.”
Gunn guarded this twist tightly. He did not send the episode to press early. He even held private test screenings to see if anyone would spot the all‑white background. No one did, he tells us. The reveal caught many fans off guard, though some online had already guessed it based on the lack of diversity and the presence of a white‑supremacist character named Auggie on the main Earth.
Why the Twist Matters
The Nazi Earth X twist is not meant to be a political statement. Gunn says the show focuses on the characters’ emotions, not on world events. Still, the scene forces viewers to think about how easy it is to miss systemic bias when it is presented as normal. Harcourt notices the whiteness first, while Peacemaker remains blind until he sees the swastikas.
Lex Luthor’s Role in the Bigger Picture
Lex Luthor appears in a Belle Reve prison scene with Rick Flag Sr. The two strike a deal that will affect future DCU stories. Gunn confirms that Lex’s involvement is intentional and will feed into the plot of “Man of Tomorrow.” He also reveals that David Corenswet, who plays Superman in the upcoming film, will not appear in Peacemaker. Corenswet was reportedly upset that Nick Hoult got the cameo instead.
Behind the Scenes and Real‑World Context
The episode was filmed the morning after the 2024 presidential election. Gunn says he does not set out to prove a point, but the world inevitably seeps into his writing. He mentions that the show’s core is the relationship between the 11th Street Kids, especially the bond between Peacemaker and Harcourt.
Gunn also reflects on the timing of the Nazi twist. He admits that real‑world events have made the fictional Earth X feel eerily relevant. He hopes the scene encourages viewers to examine their own prejudices.
What Comes Next?
Gunn hints that Earth X will not dominate future DCU narratives. It remains a backdrop for Peacemaker’s personal arc. The next episode will explore more of the alternate world’s characters, but the main focus stays on the team’s growth.
Overall, the episode blends shocking visual storytelling with character‑driven drama. It gives fans a reason to keep watching while setting up larger DCU connections.
Source: Variety
