DC Studios’ Peacemaker teases the DCU’s new Joker actor before Batman is cast for The Brave and the Bold. It will take a while before DC announces the actor who’ll play Batman in Andy Muschietti’s The Brave and the Bold and future DCU appearances. Yet, both Superman and Peacemaker have already included a couple of hints at the Dark Knight’s existence.

In Superman, a road sign reveals Gotham is close to Metropolis. Meanwhile, Peacemaker season 2’s easter eggs include a reference to Arkham, a Kite Man namedrop, and a White Rabbit cameo. Besides, John Cena’s Chris Smith may drops a clue about the Joker’s eventual debut.

Peacemaker Season 2 Throws Shade At Jared Leto

In Peacemaker season 2, Chris Smith and Emilia Harcourt find common ground in their hatred for Thirty Seconds to Mars. Peacemaker season 2 episode 1’s post-credits scene doubles down on the joke, with Chris Smith saying, “that garage band I was in for two seconds is better than Thirty Seconds to Mars”. Clearly, James Gunn isn’t a fan of Jared Leto or his band.

James Gunn has been vocal about his distaste for Jared Leto on social media, having thrown jabs at the Thirty Seconds to Mars lead singer on Twitter. Now, Gunn’s DCU characters are doing the same. Considering James Gunn doesn’t hesitate to rip on Jared Leto, it’s safe to say that the Joker’s DCU recasting is virtually guaranteed.

Jared Leto’s Joker is widely disliked for several reasons. On-screen, the Joker’s erratic behavior and over-the-top gangster persona made him more of an overly edgy caricature of the Clown Prince of Crime. Behind the scenes, reports of Leto’s unsettling “method acting” antics alienated colleagues and fueled negative press. Combined with minimal screen time and disjointed storytelling, Leto’s Joker failed to resonate.

Peacemaker Season 2 Further Clarifies The Suicide Squad Movies’ Canon Status

DC Studios practically promises to recast the Joker for the DCU, but Peacemaker season 2 episode 1 also strengthens The Suicide Squad‘s canon status. The 11th Street Kids and Rick Flag Sr. acknowledge ARGUS’ turn on Amanda Waller, Task Force X’s last mission, and Rick Flag Jr.’s death. Peacemaker’s involvement in Task Force X is also addressed.

In only one episode, Peacemaker season 2 confirms most of The Suicide Squad is canon to the DCU, suggests the DCU’s Joker is very different, and reveals that Chris Smith’s encounter with the Justice League happened with the Justice Gang instead. Meanwhile, Suicide Squad is increasingly forgotten. Whether Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn is DCU canon or not remains to be seen.