James Gunn: Lex Luthor’s Peacemaker Cameo Is a DCU Turning Point That Leads Into Man of Tomorrow

Episode 6 of Peacemaker season 2 includes a cameo that writer-director James Gunn says is meant to be “a really important moment for not only Peacemaker, but the entire DCU.” The scene brings back Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, ties into the aftermath of Superman, and begins setting up the next Superman movie, Man of Tomorrow (2027).

1. Lex Luthor cameo and custody
2. Why James Gunn calls the moment important
3. How the scene links to Man of Tomorrow
4. Notable dialogue and rating note
5. Production details and episode placement
6. What this sets up next

Lex Luthor cameo and custody

In episode 6, titled “Ignorance is Chris,” Nicholas Hoult returns as Lex Luthor. The episode shows Luthor being held in the infamous metahuman carceral facility Belle Reve Prison before ARGUS moves him to Van Kull maximum security prison.

The episode notes that investigative reporting exposed Luthor as the mastermind behind the Boravia/Jarhanpur war, and that he was convicted and given a long sentence. Then ARGUS leader Rick Flag Sr. (Frank Grillo) cuts a deal with Luthor, promising “an opportunity for redemption” in exchange for technology that will help Flag pursue Chris Smith (John Cena), aka Peacemaker. The move from Belle Reve to Van Kull is shown as part of that arrangement.

Why James Gunn calls the moment important

On Peacemaker: The Official Podcast (episode 6 of the podcast), James Gunn said the scene was intended as more than a cameo. He described it as “a really important moment for not only Peacemaker, but the entire DCU.” The scene was filmed while Gunn was still working on Superman (2025), and he confirmed it was positioned to bridge the show and the films.

How the scene links to Man of Tomorrow

The episode connects directly to the upcoming Superman sequel, Man of Tomorrow (2027). Specifically, Luthor’s transfer and his agreement to work with ARGUS are presented as the beginning of his next phase — a move back into a public or operational role that aligns with plans for Luthor to face Superman in future films.

Notable dialogue and rating note

Gunn and the podcast guests pointed out a rating-related detail: Hoult reportedly couldn’t swear in Superman (to help preserve that film’s PG-13 rating), but he can say anything in Peacemaker. That difference explains a line Luthor delivers in the episode, which is presented exactly as heard:

“the Justice Gang and Superman determining international politics” while he’s stuck in Belle Reve, “listening to a bear-sized man with dragon skin butt-fucking a glowing twink with cartoon eyes in a cell beside me every night.”

Production details and episode placement

Gunn said the scene was originally planned for episode 7 but was moved up to episode 6. He explained that the earlier placement created a smoother tonal transition between a comedic Eagly sequence and Chris’ emotional confrontation with Harcourt (Jennifer Holland).

What this sets up next

In short, the scene functions as a turning point in Peacemaker season 2: it reintroduces Lex Luthor in custody, shows ARGUS recruiting his help, and starts laying groundwork for his role in the DCU films. According to Gunn’s comments, the moment is deliberately intended to connect the show to the Superman film arc and to set up future conflicts involving Luthor and Superman.