Peacemaker Forges Its Own Path: Why One Major Suicide Squad Rivalry Won't Continue

Fans of James Gunn's raucous and surprisingly heartfelt "The Suicide Squad" might be wondering about the lingering rivalry between Christopher Smith, A.K.A. Peacemaker, and Robert DuBois, A.K.A. Bloodsport. Their intense, often hilarious, and sometimes deadly competition was a core dynamic of the film, culminating in a tense standoff.

However, for those hoping for a direct continuation of this animosity in the "Peacemaker" solo series, the showrunner himself has delivered a definitive answer: it's not happening, and for very good reasons.

James Gunn, the mastermind behind both the movie and the acclaimed HBO Max series, confirmed that the Peacemaker-Bloodsport dynamic would not be a central focus of the show.

His explanation is straightforward: Bloodsport is currently incarcerated. This simple fact provides a logical and necessary barrier to their immediate reunion, allowing the series to pivot towards entirely new challenges and character arcs for Peacemaker.

And frankly, this decision makes perfect narrative sense.

While their rivalry was undeniably entertaining in "The Suicide Squad," forcing its continuation into the series would risk rehashing old ground. "Peacemaker" thrives on exploring the titular anti-hero's deeply fractured psyche, his complicated past, and his struggle to define what "peace" truly means.

The series introduces a completely new ensemble of characters—John Economos, Emilia Harcourt, Vigilante, Clemson Murn, and the enigmatic Leota Adebayo—each bringing fresh dynamics and conflicts to Peacemaker's world. These relationships are crucial for his growth and the unfolding of the show's unique "Project Butterfly" storyline.

By moving beyond the Bloodsport rivalry, "Peacemaker" is free to carve out its own identity, distinguishing itself from its cinematic predecessor.

It allows the narrative to delve deeper into Christopher Smith's personal journey of redemption (or lack thereof), his internal struggles with his upbringing, and his often-misguided attempts at heroism. The focus shifts from an external, personal vendetta to a broader, more existential battle against an alien threat, all while navigating a dysfunctional team of misfits.

This strategic move by James Gunn ensures that "Peacemaker" is not merely an extended epilogue to "The Suicide Squad" but a vibrant, independent story with its own stakes and character development.

It's a testament to Gunn's storytelling prowess that he understands when to let go of a compelling past dynamic to build an even more compelling future for his characters. So, while the showdown with Bloodsport remains a memorable moment, fans can rest assured that Peacemaker's ongoing adventures are rich with new adversaries, unexpected alliances, and plenty of trademark Gunn-esque irreverence.