James Gunn is many things: Filmmaker, provocateur, Twitter enthusiast. But if there’s one skill he’s honed at DC Studios, it’s keeping fans talking. Case in point: while promoting the back half of Peacemaker season 2, Gunn told Deadline that the show’s characters will live on in the DCU, though not necessarily in a straight-up season 3. That might sound like the end of the line for John Cena’s helmeted patriot, but Gunn was clear this doesn’t shut the door on a third season down the road. It just means the DCU machine may reroute its cast into different corners of the franchise first.

For those keeping score, season 2 has already delivered a few major shockwaves. Episode 6 pulled the curtain back on Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor, confirming the new DCU’s big bad is already planting seeds. The setting, widely interpreted by fans as Earth-X despite the show never naming it, has added fuel to the speculation fire. Gunn himself has confirmed that another character from Superman will appear in episode 8, making it clear the show isn’t just a raunchy side quest anymore—it’s prime connective tissue.

"Some of these characters will continue, but also, it’s not exactly Peacemaker 3. I’m not ruling it out. You’ll see (episode) 8 and maybe you’ll find out a little bit more," said Gunn.

Speculation naturally turns to which characters might make the jump. Danielle Brooks’ Adebayo feels like a lock given her ties to Amanda Waller and the larger DCU chessboard. Jennifer Holland’s Harcourt has been in Gunn’s toolbox since The Suicide Squad and could easily anchor another project. Even Freddie Stroma’s scene-stealing Vigilante has developed the kind of cult following that would fit snugly in whatever oddball corner Gunn cooks up next.

However, not every project is moving forward smoothly. Gunn admitted The Authority is “not the furthest along” of his announced slate. Translation: don’t expect this one anytime soon. He’s careful not to rule out format changes, though the official line is still that it’s a film in development. For fans eager to see WildStorm’s misfit heroes on screen, patience is the word of the day.

The verdict? Gunn is playing the long game. Peacemaker’s gang isn’t being mothballed—they’re being repositioned. Meanwhile, The Authority remains an ambitious promise with a hazy delivery date. For DCU watchers, that’s both frustrating and familiar. But in an industry built on delays, at least Gunn is letting fans know where the ballpark is, even if he’s not ready to throw the pitch.