Is John Cena Getting a New Bestfriend? Season 2 of Peacemaker Teases Martian Manhunter’s Arrival

With the release of Peacemaker Season 2 Episode 3, we witness a brief interaction between Economos and Vigilante that gives us an endearing look at their friendship after a night of heavy drinking. But somewhere in there, it seems like James Gunn may have slipped a hint of the next major DC character coming to the DCU.

During the trivia game on spiders that the two were playing in Harcourt’s bathroom, Adrian mentions a fun fact: “Martians only have one eye.” While this may seem like a random alien fact, the mention of Martians can allude to DC’s Martian Manhunter, who we might soon see alongside John Cena in the series.

Especially with the introduction of QUC and alternate realities in the show, Chris might just happen to stumble upon a door to this character while running away from A.R.G.U.S., indicative of the end of Season 2 Episode 3.

How Martian Manhunter Can Join John Cena in Peacemaker Season 2

Gunn has already showcased how good he is at placing references to wider media in his projects, with a ton of easter eggs in Episode 1 of the new season. Thus, with the statement made by Vigilante, fans who caught the Martian reference are starting to expect the arrival of Martian Manhunter in the DCU.

One way that this underrated character can be brought into the DCU is through the return of Chukwudi Iwuji, who played the role of Clemson Murn in the first season, as the Manhunter. In an episode of Peacemaker: The Official Podcast, Gunn said that the character could be brought back to the franchise, saying:

And with the events of Season 1, where Murn is revealed to be a Butterfly, one of the alien species infiltrating Earth, he makes his intentions clear that he was here to save humanity, but unfortunately, he met his demise doing so.

Therefore, if the comics are to be followed, then Manhunter can easily take the shape of anyone he wants to, which will make it easy for him to copy the visage of a person who was already an alien host. This will also create a loophole for DCU’s general rule against recasting actors across roles.

And as for which iteration of the superhero it will be, the one-eyed reference heavily points towards the introduction of Absolute Martian Manhunter.

Absolute Martian Manhunter From DC Comics Is James Gunn’s Pick for the DCU

While there have been several iterations over the years of the character in DC comics, Absolute Martian Manhunter might just be the one to enter the DCU, especially thanks to Vigilante’s comments about a Martian’s one eye. In most versions, his visage consists of a chiseled face with two glowing red eyes, making him look menacing.

But Absolute Martian Manhunter, on the other hand, only has one glowing red eye between his forehead and an amorphous form that he can change how he wants to. This version also inhabits the body of a human being to carry out his tasks, saving human lives in the process. This iteration of the Martian Manhunter would fit perfectly in the quirky vision of Gunn’s DCU.

Below is a table about the comic series of Absolute Martian Manhunter, which you should definitely read to understand why he would be a perfect fit for the franchise.

Which version of the Martian Manhunter would you like to see in the DCU? Tell us in the comments below.

Peacemaker Season 2 is streaming on HBO Max (US).