As the dust clears in the wake of a truly excellent experience like HBO Max's Peacemaker, the time is perfect to do some digging into some obscure behind-the-scenes details. The show is still fresh in the minds of viewers and conversations continue about what every minute detail could mean for the future of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). So why not stretch that curiosity into the more meta aspects of the series?
Just like Peacemaker's wonderfully unique opening credits sequence, many unexpected aspects of the HBO Max show have become standout hits among the viewing public. One such instance involves Harry Potter and Pitch Perfect actor Freddie Stroma's highly-praised performance as Adrian Chase/Vigilante, bringing an unhinged wholesomeness to the deranged killer that few likely saw coming. But it turns out that Stroma almost wasn't even part of the show.
In a recent interview with Screen Rant, Peacemaker showrunner James Gunn spoke about a number of subjects detailing the process behind his now beloved series. At one point, the topic shifted to Vigilante, as well as the lesser-known story of how Stroma stepped in late in production to replace the character's previous actor. Chris Conrad (Young Hercules, Patriot) was originally cast in the role and even shot 5 episodes as Vigilante before Gunn brought Stroma in as a replacement.
"We had already shot five and a half episodes with another actor, who's an incredibly talented guy," Gunn said when asked about the switch. "But we were on different pages about certain things, and I don't think he wanted to continue on the series in the long run. So we brought Freddie in, five and a half episodes in, and I reshot all of his scenes." Luckily, it appears that Conrad's departure was amicable and the decision was mutual rather than something forced on an unfortunate actor. Gunn even went so far as to direct the reshoots himself, rather than pushing the responsibility onto the regular directors of each respective episode that needed Stroma. Guess he wanted to balance things out after The Suicide Squad apparently didn't need any reshoots at all.
Audiences ended up loving Stroma's take on Vigilante, and so did Gunn. "There's an innocence to him, despite the fact that he does these horrible things," he continued, "and is completely lacking in empathy and feelings in a way that Peacemaker is not. Very different from Peacemaker in that way. One is a guy who struggles with what he does, and the other guy is a guy who doesn't struggle at all with what he does but loves Peacemaker unconditionally, which is an interesting relationship."
It's fascinating to think about what sort of character Vigilante could have been had Conrad stayed on for the role. Given how Peacemaker is already gearing up for a second season, it makes sense that he would leave, since he apparently didn't have long-term aspirations for this particular part. But all things considered, it may be safe to say everybody got what they wanted. Conrad got to move on, Stroma got to absolutely kill it (in several ways) as Vigilante, and audiences were treated to the fantastic outcome.
Peacemaker is available to stream on HBO Max.
Source: Screen Rant