In the latest season of Peacemaker, a shocking twist reveals that the seemingly perfect alternate universe is actually a world where the N**is won World War II. For actor Danielle Brooks, who plays Leota Adebayo, this meant her character faced a terrifying scene where she is chased by a racist mob. Showrunner James Gunn prioritized Brooks’ comfort, consulting with her extensively before filming to ensure she felt safe and respected while handling such sensitive material.
Checking In with His Actor
When James Gunn wrote the episode that would reveal the dark nature of the alternate Earth, known as Earth-X, his first call was to Danielle Brooks. He wanted to make sure she, as a Black woman, was comfortable with the storyline and its execution.
Gunn sent the script for Episode 6 to Brooks before production. The director explained, “When I wrote episode 206, I sent it to Danielle, and I was like, ‘This is where we’re going with this. Tell me what you think.’ And she was really into it.” He emphasized the importance of this check-in, stating, “You’ve got to check yourself with things like this. It’s good to be aware of what you’re dealing with when it comes to audiences’ emotions and feelings. So Danielle was my first stop in making sure that it was all kosher.”
Brooks appreciated the support, and the open communication helped build a trusting environment on set. This allowed her to deliver a powerful performance in a scene that was both emotionally and physically demanding.
The Earth-X Twist and Its Real-World Parallels
The major twist in Peacemaker Season 2 occurs when Christopher Smith, aka Peacemaker, believes he has found a better life in an alternate dimension. In this world, his father is loving and his brother is alive. However, the idyllic facade crumbles when it’s revealed this universe is a “sundown town” dimension where people of color are not allowed to exist, symbolized by an American flag bearing a swastika.
The show doesn’t shy away from the horror of this concept. In a climactic moment, Adebayo realizes the danger she’s in when the entire white population of the town, including Peacemaker’s own brother, begins chasing her through the streets.
Gunn noted that the storyline, while extreme, reflects a personal journey. “It comes from Christopher Smith’s personal journey of running away and his inability to accept the place in which he is,” he said. The writer-director also acknowledged the storyline is deliberately polarizing, adding, “I have a few racists that have called me polarizing, but I’m okay with being polarizing and letting racists fall to the wayside.”
A Delicate Balance of Tone
Peacemaker is known for its unique blend of comedy, action, and heartfelt character moments. Weaving a narrative about racism and N**i ideology into this framework required a thoughtful approach. Gunn acknowledged the challenge of balancing the show’s humor with the gravity of the subject matter.
“Listen, we’re dealing with a very sensitive subject. We’re dealing with racism and at the same time, there’s humor in this episode,” Gunn said. “And so, you’re dealing with something very delicate and yet we’re not being delicate about it – but I don’t think we’re not being delicate in a non-thoughtful way. I think we’re being thoughtful about it.”
This balance was a key part of his conversations with Brooks, ensuring the scene was handled with the necessary care despite the show’s typically irreverent tone.
Brooks’ Rising Star and Role in the DCU
For Danielle Brooks, joining the world of Peacemaker was a significant step. After her breakout role in Orange Is the New Black and an Oscar nomination for The Color Purple, she has become a powerful voice in Hollywood. She has spoken about the importance of her role in the DC Universe, noting how rare it is to see a Black woman, particularly one with her body type, in a superhero project.
“I think it’s so important to have Black women in this kind of space,” Brooks has said. “The action, comic book world is very rare and so that excites me that I can be that representation for people that relate to me.”
She also plays a queer character, making her role as Leota Adebayo a milestone for representation. Gunn praised Brooks, calling her “such a big personality” and noting that “this team in particular more so than any is a real family. It wouldn’t be the same without Danielle’s big laugh and her big heart.” He also teased that her work in the season finale is “some of the best acting work I’ve ever been a part of.”
A Supportive Set Environment
Gunn’s leadership style focuses on creating a safe and collaborative environment. This was especially important for Brooks, who initially had doubts about joining an action series. She recalled getting the call from Gunn shortly after having her daughter, saying, “I had just gained like 60 pounds from my pregnancy. And then I get a call from James Gunn saying, ‘Hey, you want to be in this action TV show?’ And I’m like, ‘What? I’m in the worst shape of my life. Yes, I can still act, but can I run?’”
Gunn, however, had seen her depth and talent in Orange Is the New Black and believed she was perfect for the role. That trust allowed Brooks to blossom within the tight-knit cast, known as the 11th Street Kids. She has described her character as the “moral compass” and the “grounding presence” for the group, both in the show and seemingly on set.
The latest season of Peacemaker is now streaming on HBO Max. The series stars John Cena, Danielle Brooks, Freddie Stroma, Jennifer Holland, and Steve Agee.
