HBO Mac's Peacemaker is halfway through its eight-episode run, and it's already a massive hit. Thanks to its subversive and humorous nature, the John Cena-led mini-series proves that nearly any comic book character can be a compelling protagonist under the right circumstances.
The show serves as a direct follow-up to James Gunn's The Suicide Squad, proving that DC's most chaotic team is the gift that keeps on giving. And after Harley Quinn and now Peacemaker received their solo projects, fans can't help but imagine all the other spin-offs that could come out focusing on the various members of Task Force X.
The Thinker & Project Starfish
It's clear that The Thinker is one of the most intelligent villains in the DCEU. He was already a rather infamous character in the comics, but James Gunn provided him with a more disturbing backstory that elevated him to the top tier of DC's villain pantheon.
His relationship with Starro the Conqueror could provide enough material for an appropriately unsettling mini-series; it could even include body horror elements, creating a truly innovative and grotesque project unlike anything in the DCEU. However, any Thinker solo project could also explore his other ventures before arriving at Corto Maltese, giving more insight into one of the most disturbed minds in the DCEU.
Polka-Dot Man's Troubled Life
One of The Suicide Squad's most pleasant surprises was Polka-Dot Man. Played by the ever-underrated scene-stealer David Dastmalchian, Polka-Dot Man is arguably the most tortured figure in the DCEU, and that's saying something.
The character has severe mental issues that could provide a rich and thought-provoking insight into the link between villainy and troubled childhood. Furthermore, any spin-off project focusing on Polka-Dot Man could also deal with the dangers of government institutions within the DCEU, a subject that often gets mentioned but never receives any real attention.
The First Suicide Squad's Other Missions
The opening sequence of The Suicide Squad makes it clear that Task Force X already has several missions under its belt. However, that doesn't mean that all the members audiences see arriving at Corto Maltese are veterans of the squad.
The Suicide Squad acts like a quasi-sequel to the 2016 movie, but there's a significant amount of time between both films that would make for an awesome spin-off. Fans could see Rick Flag growing into his role as leader and see the deaths of many members of the 2016 movie. It would also be a perfect way to answer some of the lingering questions fans have about the Suicide Squad.
Captain Boomerang's Dastardly Deeds
Captain Boomerang hardly had any time to shine during his brief stint on the DCEU. Despite Jai Courtney's surprisingly engaging performance, the character received a small supporting role in the 2016 movie before being unceremoniously killed in The Suicide Squad.
Boomerang is one of the most interesting Flash villains, and it's a shame he didn't receive the attention he deserved. He would absolutely merit a solo project own, particularly because the DCEU so far doesn't seem interested in developing the Flash or his rogues and is instead using the character to do a soft reboot on its troubled universe.
King Shark, Literal God?
Most comic book fans know King Shark is one of the most intriguing figures in DC. Initially portrayed as a mutation of some sort, King Shark's origin eventually changed, and he became the son of a sea god. Amanda Waller briefly mentions this change during The Suicide Squad, opening the door for a Nanaue-centric spin-off that could explore his origins while tying him to Aquaman's corner of the DCEU.
King Shark was arguably the most endearing character in The Suicide Squad, and fans have been very vocal about wanting to see more of him. Giving him a solo project could also cement Aquaman's influence as one of the leading figures in the DCEU.
Coronel Rick Flag, A True Hero
Hardly anyone cared about Rick Flag when Suicide Squad premiered in 2016. He came off as annoying and almost useless, and his romance with Enchantress was underdeveloped and at times cringe-worthy. However, The Suicide Squad changed things, turning Flag into a genuinely compelling figure, an unexpectedly caring leader who ends up being the story's true hero.
A Flag spin-off could give fans some closure following the character's demise. It could also provide some answers about what happened to June Moone and how Flag came to know the Corto Maltese rebels. More importantly, it could give Joel Kinnaman another chance to visit a character he was clearly born to play.
Amanda Waller, The Toughest Woman In DC
Longtime readers know that Amanda Waller has plenty of iconic comic book storylines, but her live-action appearances had been somewhat disappointing. Fortunately, The Suicide Squad changed that, finally giving audiences the Waller version they deserved.
Played by Oscar-winner Viola Davis, Waller is one of the DCEU's most mysterious figures. Peacemaker gave fans a glimpse into her personal life by revealing she has a daughter, Leota, opening the door to further exploration into the character's psyche. The potential Waller spin-off would also give Davis the chance to unleash her overwhelming talent while showing fans how exactly did DC's coldest woman become that way.
Ratcatcher 2's Compelling Storyline
Without a doubt, The Suicide Squad's breakout character was Ratcatcher 2. Played with authentic vulnerability by Daniela Melchior, Ratcatcher 2 was the film's beating heart, injecting raw emotion into an IP that's famous for lacking any.
There are numerous ways a Ratcatcher 2 spin-off could go. It could either explore her childhood, opening the door for Taika Waititi's involvement, or follow her times as an adult. It could also serve as a follow-up to the movie, much like Peacemaker.
Bloodsport Vs. Superman
One of the best parts of The Suicide Squad was Bloddsport's character arc. The cold-blooded killer was the movie's de-facto lead, a seemingly detached leader with far more layers than anyone previously thought. He would make for an excellent protagonist in any project, and his character's backstory is rich enough to make for an interesting movie or tv show.
However, his conflict with Superman would be the best possible option for a Bloodsport solo project. The idea of seeing Bloodsport shooting Superman with a kryptonite bullet is simply too good to pass. Even better would be seeing the aftermath, with Superman perhaps seeking some form of retaliation. It would also provide the perfect opportunity for Henry Cavill to come back, and who wouldn't that?
Vigilante Takes Center Stage
Without a doubt, Vigilante is Peacemaker's breakout star. Thanks to an incredibly charming performance by Harry Potter alumn Freddie Stroma and some of James Gunn's strongest writing, Vigilante is not only one of Peacemaker's funniest characters, but a very compelling figure with more complexity than fans previously thought.
A Vigilante spin-off could explore his background and years as a solo fighter while Peacemaker was in jail. More interesting, however, is the idea of seeing him with Task Force X. Vigilante is overly-enthusiastic and loyal, but he's undeniably a psychopath, so he'd be one of the most chaotic members of the Suicide Squad, a wild card if there ever was one.