James Gunn Nearly Revived Murn — Teases Earth-2 Return and Looming Threat in Peacemaker Season 2

James Gunn has revealed that he nearly brought Chukwudi Iwuji’s Clemson Murn back into Peacemaker season 2 in a different form, and that an alternate Earth introduced in the show still exists in future plans.

James Gunn and Murn
Earth-2 encounter in season 2
Cut storyline and future possibilities
Plot consequences shown in season 2

James Gunn and Murn

Chukwudi Iwuji’s character Clemson Murn died in Peacemaker season 1 after being possessed by the alien butterfly Ik Nobe Llok. In the latest episode of the show’s official podcast, Gunn said he considered bringing Murn back in season 2 as part of an alternate-world storyline.

Earth-2 encounter in season 2

In episode 7 of Peacemaker season 2, titled Like a Keith in the Night, the main characters visit an alternate world that Gunn calls Earth-2. There, several familiar characters appear in very different roles: Rick Flagg, Jr. (Joel Kinnaman) behaves clumsily; Emilia Harcourt (Jennifer Holland) favors books and skirts over brawling; and Vigilante (Freddie Stroma) fights as part of the Sons of Liberty rather than operating as a lone killer.

Cut storyline and future possibilities

Gunn said he wrote a version of that Earth-2 where Murn was a heroic leader, but ultimately removed the storyline from season 2. He described his intent and the contrast he wanted to show: “He was a hero. Whereas Murn on our planet was the worst guy in the world before he became a butterfly, Murn on their planet was this sort of kick-ass Harriet Tubman,” Gunn said. “Like a total action hero.”

Gunn also confirmed that the alternate Earth was not destroyed in the story: “There’s still the future,” he said. “There’s still an Earth-2. We didn’t blow it up. This still exists.”

Plot consequences shown in season 2

Season 2 shows direct fallout from the trip to Earth-2. Harcourt attempted to kill the seriously injured Keith Smith (David Denman) before returning to her world, but she fled through the portal when police arrived. Additionally, Auggie Smith referenced a plan involving the dimensional portal before he died. These events are presented on-screen in episode 7.