The question of whether Rick Flag Jr. will make an appearance in Peacemaker Season 2 has stirred curiosity among fans, but actor Joel Kinnaman remains tight-lipped. Known for portraying the beloved character in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), Kinnaman recently addressed these rumors but left his potential return shrouded in mystery.
Joel Kinnaman Responds to Rumors About Rick Flag Jr.’s Return in Peacemaker Season 2
Joel Kinnaman. Image Credit: DC/ Warner Brothers.
The enigmatic nature of Rick Flag Jr.’s potential return in Peacemaker Season 2 has captivated fans of the DC Extended Universe. While the character met a tragic end in The Suicide Squad, rumors of his resurrection have been swirling, leaving many to speculate about his possible involvement in the upcoming season.
Joel Kinnaman, the actor who brought Rick Flag Jr. to life was recently asked directly about the possibility of reprising his role in Season 2 during an interview with Screen Rant while promoting his upcoming film The Silent Hour, Kinnaman’s didn’t give any clear answers. “I don’t know what to say. That’s ridiculous,” Kinnaman remarked, following with, “I would never. I would never be on a show like that. It’s not what I do.” His statement raised eyebrows, as it seems inconsistent, given that Peacemaker is a spinoff of The Suicide Squad, a film he was actively involved in.
Speculation regarding Kinnaman’s return gained traction earlier this year after Peter Sollett, one of the directors for Season 2, tagged Kinnaman in a social media post celebrating the completion of filming. Although the post was quickly deleted, sharp-eyed fans spotted it, fueling the rumor mill. A cameo appearance by Rick Flag Jr. would certainly align with the storyline, particularly with the introduction of Rick Flag Sr., played by Frank Grillo, in the new season. Flag Sr. is poised to play a key role, and with Grillo’s casting, it’s hinted that the elder Flag will seek retribution for his son’s death at the hands of John Cena’s Peacemaker in The Suicide Squad.
While Kinnaman has yet to officially confirm or deny his involvement, the connection between Flag Sr. and Peacemaker sets up a compelling narrative arc that fans can look forward to in Season 2.
Frank Grillo Impresses James Gunn with His Powerful Depiction of Rick Flag Sr. in DCU
Frank Grillo. Image Credit: DC and Hulu
Frank Grillo is quickly becoming a prominent figure in the revamped DC Universe (DCU). The actor is set to portray Rick Flag Sr., a character that will feature across several major DCU projects. Fans will first encounter him in Creature Commandos, an adult animated series, slated for release this December. However, Grillo’s presence in the DCU won’t end there, as Rick Flag Sr. is confirmed to make an appearance in the highly anticipated Superman movie and the second season of Peacemaker.
James Gunn, one of the key architects behind the DCU reboot, has been vocal about his admiration for Grillo’s versatility as an actor. Gunn pointed out that Grillo has demonstrated exceptional skill in handling various tones and genres. According to Gunn, “Frank’s really been good at the comedy of Creature Commandos and also really good at the drama of Peacemaker and Superman.”
Peacemaker’s second season officially began filming in April 2024, marking the return of John Cena’s beloved antihero. The production had been on a three-year hiatus since the first season wrapped up, leaving fans eager for more. Fortunately, fans won’t have to wait too long for the second season of Peacemaker. Gunn recently revealed that the new season is scheduled to premiere on Max sometime in the latter half of 2025, following the release of Superman on July 11, 2025.
