The second season of Peacemaker on HBO Max has taken its hero on a trip to another dimension, revealing a shocking and dangerous alternate world known as Earth-X. This universe, where history took a dark turn, has become the central focus of the new season, forcing Christopher Smith to confront a version of his family that lives in a society ruled by N*zis. The discovery challenges everything Peacemaker thought he wanted and puts his friends in grave danger.
What Is Earth-X in Peacemaker?
In Peacemaker Season 2, the alternate dimension that Chris Smith initially believes is a perfect world is revealed to be Earth-X, a universe where the N*zis won World War II and took control of the United States. This is a live-action adaptation of a concept from DC Comics, where Earth-X is an alternate world with a history dominated by the Third Reich.
The show drops several clues about the true nature of this world before the big reveal. Fans noticed that no non-white background characters appeared in the alternate universe scenes. The final confirmation comes when characters discover an American flag where the stars have been replaced by a swastika. As one article explains, “Chris’s ‘perfect’ world is actually an alternate world where, one way or another, the N*zis have control of the United States.”
“Harcourt says to Peacemaker, ‘You don’t notice all the Mein Kampf on every desk?’ And he says, ‘Well, I don’t read books,’” shared showrunner James Gunn on the official podcast, revealing a deleted scene that hammered home the N*zi theme.
This revelation shows that Chris, blinded by his desire for a better life where his father and brother are alive, completely missed the horrifying reality of the world around him.
The Smith Family of Earth-X
On Earth-X, Peacemaker’s family is part of a celebrated superhero team called the Top Trio. The team includes his father Auggie Smith, his brother Keith Smith, and his alternate self, Christopher Smith.
- Auggie Smith / Blue Dragon: In a major twist, the Earth-X version of Peacemaker’s father is not a villain. While he is a public figure in the N*zi regime, James Gunn confirmed that this Auggie is “generally a good human being who is opposed to what the N*zis are doing.” He works as a superhero within the system, fighting immediate threats because he feels unable to take on the entire regime. Tragically, he is killed by Vigilante while trying to help Chris and his friends return home.
- Keith Smith / Captain Triumph: Peacemaker’s brother, who died in childhood in the main DCU, is alive and a superhero on Earth-X. In contrast to his father, Keith appears to fully support the N**i ideology. He is shown leading a mob that chases Leota Adebayo simply because of her race.
- Christopher Smith / Peacemaker (Earth-X): The alternate version of the main character is a renowned superhero but also a white supremacist and enforcer of the N**i regime. He is the archenemy of the Earth-X Vigilante, who is part of a resistance group called the Sons of Liberty. This version of Peacemaker was accidentally killed by the main DCU Peacemaker in an early season two encounter.
James Gunn highlighted the family dynamic, stating, “Auggie is generally a good human being… But Keith (and Chris 2), well… I don’t know. Sometimes the apples fall very far from the tree – on both Earths!”
How Earth-X Drives the Season 2 Plot
The exploration of Earth-X is the main storyline of season two. After a difficult time in his own world, Chris Smith discovers the alternate dimension using his father’s Quantum Unfolding Chamber (QUC). He sees a life where his father and brother are alive and he is a celebrated hero, leading him to decide to move there permanently.
His friends from the 11th Street Kids—Leota Adebayo, Adrian Chase (Vigilante), Emilia Harcourt, and John Economos—soon realize the terrible truth and travel to Earth-X to rescue him. Their presence in the racist world immediately puts them in danger, especially Adebayo. Meanwhile, in the main DCU, Rick Flag Sr. of A.R.G.U.S. is hunting for Peacemaker and the powerful dimensional portal technology.
The situation culminates at the Smith family mansion on Earth-X. After Auggie decides to let the 11th Street Kids leave, Vigilante kills him, causing Chris to witness his father die a second time. After a fight with Keith, a traumatized Chris and his team return to their own dimension, where Chris surrenders himself to A.R.G.U.S.
The Technology Behind the Travel
The journey to Earth-X is made possible by the Quantum Unfolding Chamber (QUC), an extra-dimensional storage space and workshop originally built by Auggie Smith. The portal is opened by a mysterious alien device that Auggie took from a dead alien. This device can generate stable dimensional portals through any doorway.
Some fan theories suggest the device may be related to the New Gods technology from DC Comics, possibly functioning similarly to a Mother Box, which is known for creating Boom Tubes for interdimensional travel. This technology is a key reason A.R.G.U.S. is so determined to capture Peacemaker.
Earth-X’s Connection to the Larger DC Universe
Peacemaker Season 2 is set in the new DC Universe (DCU) and acts as a narrative bridge between the film Superman (2025) and its upcoming sequel, Man of Tomorrow. The exploration of the multiverse through the QUC is a significant plot point that is expected to have ramifications for the wider DCU.
James Gunn has stated that the season two finale will “more than tease” the future of the DCU, indicating that the events of the season, particularly the meddling with dimensional travel, could have lasting consequences. The season features crossover characters from Superman, including Lex Luthor, Guy Gardner, and Hawkgirl, further tying the series into the new DCU timeline.
Also Read: Peacemaker Season 2: Blue Dragon Twist Changes Everything About Peacemaker’s Father
