Danielle Brooks returns to our screens this season as Leota Adebayo in Peacemaker, and this time, she’s stepping out in bold new ways. Brooks shares that Leota has symbolically broken free from her oppressive ties—especially to her mother, Amanda Waller—and is now confidently charting her own path.
“She’s definitely broken off the chains,” Brooks says, explaining that Leota is now focused on herself—her career, her calling, and what she can offer the 11th Street Kids. With this independence comes complexity, Brooks notes: Leota’s taking risks, exploring her desires, and facing new tensions in relationships. “There’s a bit of consequence,” she says, “but it’s been a lot of fun to play—a little rebel, really going for what she believes she’s capable of.”
Brooks also praises James Gunn’s leadership in building a new vision for the DC Universe under his direction. She admires how he’s painting a more inclusive, character-driven picture—one where people of color, queer characters, and those often overlooked finally have compelling, layered representation. “Growing up, I didn’t see myself in that space,” she reflects, adding that she’s excited to be part of opening up a new narrative for a generation.
That heartfelt authenticity—combined with gripping action and sharp storytelling—makes Season 2 a thrilling ride. Fans can catch Brooks and the rest of the cast in the new episodes of Peacemaker, streaming now.
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