James Gunn Toasts Peacemaker Pup Vigilante’s Anniversary
A four-legged star hits a new milestone in time for the DCU spin-off’s season two premiere
Image: Instagram
James Gunn, the director best known for revamping Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy and helming DC’s The Suicide Squad, turned heads on Instagram this week with a nod to the show’s four-legged star. In a playful post, he wrote, “Happy Anniversary to Eagly’s fourth best pal, Vigilante. Can’t wait for folks to see you in Peacemaker Season 2!”, marking the date the canine companion first strutted onto the DC Universe spin-off.
Four-legged Sidekick Celebrates A Milestone
While the caption reads like a pet party invite, it hits the calendar on Vigilante’s debut cameo. When Peacemaker landed on HBO Max in January 2022, fans arrived for John Cena’s high-octane action—and stayed for the animal antics. Vigilante’s bark-and-roll relationship with Eagly, the steely bald eagle perched on Peacemaker’s arm, became a breakout highlight, generating countless memes, fan art and even Halloween costume tributes.
Gunn’s post, shared to his multi-million follower base, quickly racked up engagement. Fans dropped comments recalling the dog’s first on-screen moment, its epic slow-motion bark and that unforgettable season finale walk-off. It’s clear that secondary characters—even animal ones—can shape a series’ cultural footprint in the streaming era.
As a leading voice in modern superhero cinema, Gunn has repeatedly defied expectations. He redefined intergalactic adventure with Guardians of the Galaxy (2014, 2017), pairing eclectic heroes with a killer ’70s soundtrack. In 2021, he brought his irreverent style to The Suicide Squad, paving the way for Peacemaker—a mini-series that blends violence, satire and heartfelt character arcs in trademark Gunn fashion.
Backstory On Vigilante And Eagly
Vigilante’s first sequence on screen lasted only seconds, but production insiders say the canine spent six weeks mastering its cues and camera timing. Animal wranglers reportedly coordinated training drills that synced the dog’s movements with Eagly’s head tilts for comedic micro-moments—no small feat when working with two species at once.
Eagly itself became an unlikely symbol of the DCU streaming slate. Introduced as Peacemaker’s conscience in Episode 1, the eagle evolved into an emotional anchor, prompting debates on Reddit over which sidekick was superior. Season 1 trailers teased their partnership, and when the show dropped, fan tweets popped up in minutes praising the duo’s dynamic.
Off screen, James Gunn has shown a personal soft spot for rescue dogs. On National Rescue Dog Day in May, he posted a tender photo with #OzutheDog—his own rescue pup—urging followers to adopt rather than shop. The gesture mirrored on-set practices, with crews emphasizing ethical handling and positive reinforcement during filming of animal scenes.
What’s Next In Season Two
HBO Max renewed Peacemaker for a second run in March 2022, giving Gunn full creative control. Cameras rolled in Pittsburgh from June through November 2023, with John Cena, Danielle Brooks and Freddie Stroma back in action. Season 2 promises to deepen character arcs, lean into dark humor and, yes, bring back more eagle and canine hijinks.
While the exact premiere date remains under wraps, sources point to an early 2024 debut—potentially timed around Comic-Con season for maximum buzz. Warner Bros. Discovery is also said to be exploring crossovers with Gunn’s other DC productions, raising speculation that Waller or other Suicide Squad alumni might appear.
As the DCU streaming plant grows, Peacemaker stands out for its fearless tone and unexpected heroes. With Vigilante’s anniversary post—and Gunn’s cheeky anticipation for more bark-and-squad action—the series proves that even a four-legged cast member can become a star. And from the looks of it, this milestone is only the beginning of Vigilante’s march into DC lore.
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